Are You ready for The Senior Tsunami?

With 10,000 people a day turning 65 today through 2030, the 65 plus age group is now the largest segment of the U.S. population. In my blog for the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce I hope to help you navigate the many senior care options out there over the next several months in greater detail. We will review the options from staying at home with In-Home Care, modifying your home with grab bars and ramps to the different levels of Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing options out there at the various price points.  I will also review whether you may be a candidate for Veteran’s benefits for yourself or spouse as well as discuss what Medicare, Medi-Cal and Long Term Care Insurance pays and doesn’t pay for.

After spending the past 35 years working in the senior living industry, I feel like it is now my duty to help educate people about the many options available in all price ranges, my services are no-cost to the client, I get paid by the care provider if a placement occurs.  I will also point out the consequences if you decide to do nothing. I spent my career as an Assisted Living Executive Director working in large facilities that had Assisted Living, Memory Care and Skilled Nursing.  

It is unfortunate that the media mainly covers only the bad things that happen in senior living facilities, but there are so many great options out there.  It can truly be like a cruise ship that never sails…I know that sounds hard to believe, but I have seen so many seniors go from sitting at home doing nothing to really thriving after getting involved in a wonderful social program, getting some care assistance and having restaurant style meals served to them three times a day! Many options are way more affordable than you think.  Most communities offer a month to month rental and several will let your try it for a month like a test drive!

Baby Boomers, those of us born between 1946 and 1964 make up approximately 25% of the U.S. population. December 31, 2029-the last of the boomers will turn 65. The 65+ population segment is projected to double to 71.5 million by 2030 and grow to 86.7 million by 2050.  Possibly more than 80 million will be on Medicare and Social Security. Now I ask you again, are YOU ready for the Senior Tsunami? 

Watch for my next post which will focus on- Making Your Home a Safe Environment.

Cathy Ellis
Senior Living Placement and Consultant
cathy@cathyellisconsulting.com
760-696-3542
www.cathyellisconsulting.com