A massive change has taken place in the very fabric of our society. We’re living longer, which isn’t surprising. But what is newsworthy is that we’re not just existing for more years—we’re living productive lives longer than ever before in our history. And that is a permanent and unprecedented shift in the demographic structure of our society. Because of this shift, some things that we knew to be true about aging are no longer factual. If we are to permanently shift our perceptions about aging adults, we need to identify a few misconceptions.

Misconceptions about Aging Seniors

Aging seniors are integral to our communities and have an enormous impact, both economically and socially, on our society. Despite this, the majority of participants in a Gauging Aging survey associated aging with decline, using language such as “loss,” “slowing down,” and “breaking down” to describe seniors.

Among study participants, there was a strong belief that a loss of control and deterioration are inevitable with age. They characterized the aging process as one in which knowledge, skills, and other aspects of life become increasingly “fixed.” This perception that seniors stagnate, no longer able to learn new skills or concepts, is outdated and backed by no real data. In fact, quite to the contrary, experts argue that the golden years bring new opportunities and capacities for growth. Many of today’s seniors embrace the changes that come with age, feeling a greater sense of freedom and self-expression.

It’s worth noting that while the public largely sees aging in a negative light, those surveyed had a more positive view of elderly people they knew personally, such as a grandparent or neighbor. In these cases, interviewees described seniors as having accumulated wisdom, as active, self-sufficient, and having earned their leisure time in later life.

The fact is that our society has nothing to gain by viewing aging as an inevitable decline, and much to lose in not doing its part to help seniors live the most productive, healthiest life possible. Home care services can help.

Misconceptions about Home Care Services for Aging Seniors

A natural decline in dexterity, balance, and memory are normal parts of aging. Navigating stairs, preparing meals, remembering to take medications… these are just a few of the daily tasks that can become more difficult with age. Home care can help ensure that our elderly citizens are taken care of with the respect they deserve.

Unfortunately, fraud and unethical businesses have tarnished the reputation of quality home care services, leaving the home care industry to face many of the same misconceptions as our aging seniors. The truth is that home care services are not simply for the frail and weak. They exist to keep our aging citizens healthy and productive longer in life. Home care is a critical component of overall healthcare for the elderly. The services home care companies provide can make it possible for seniors to live comfortably and independently well into their golden years.

Despite the misconceptions, there are home care providers across the country who value integrity and are passionate about providing exceptional care to those in need. There are several options when it comes to finding and paying for quality home care. Elderly Veterans with limited income, for example, may be eligible for the Pension with Aid and Attendance benefit, which can be used to help offset the cost of home care services. Surviving spouses of Veterans may also be eligible for this benefit.

Veterans Care Coordination’s mission is to improve the quality of life for Veterans and their families. We partner with quality home care providers to help navigate the VA’s process of applying for pension funds and help to maximize VA pension funds and get care started as quickly as possible. For more information click here or call 855-380-4400.

If you’re a home care provider interested in partnering with VCC in our mission, click here.

 

Posted in Aging Veterans Care, Aid and Attendance Benefit, Care for Aging Veterans, Home Care Benefits, Home Care for Veterans

About Kyle Laramie, Founder & CEO

Kyle founded Veterans Care Coordination in April 2011. As its founder and CEO of VCC, Kyle is driven by the memory of his grandfather, a World War II Veteran who unnecessarily missed out on essential VA benefits because Kyle’s family wasn’t aware of available opportunities. In recognition of his impact in leadership, Kyle was named to the St. Louis Business Journal’s prestigious “40 Under 40” list and St. Louis Small Business Monthly’s “100 St. Louisans to Know” in 2014. VCC was named a St. Louis Small Business Monthly “Top 20” small business and a finalist for the St. Louis Post Dispatch Top Workplace (2015-2022), St. Louis Business Journal Best Place to Work (2019 & 2022), and the Arcus Awards (2014). The team has served more than 14,000 Veteran clients and their families. Kyle frequently speaks on Veterans’ benefits, addressing conferences such as the Home Care Association of America and Decision Health. He is passionate about giving back and has built a charitable-minded organization that supports various philanthropic efforts.