Hiring a Senior Caregiver

In 2011, the first of America’s baby boomers—78 million people born between 1946 and 1964—reached their 65th birthday. These baby boomers began to turn age 65 at a rate of 8,000+ per day. According to the U.S. Administration on Aging (AOA), people reaching their 65th birthday today can expect an additional 18.6 years of life, creating a staggering number of seniors over the age of 80 by 2026. Already, senior care has become more and more critical in our lives, and the data available supports that it will continue to be so.

Many people today find themselves as part of the “sandwich generation” – not only are they caring for their own children, but for their elderly parents as well. This type of household is becoming increasingly common in the United States. With elderly parents living longer and families choosing to care for them in the home, as well as having a family of their own, families are tasked with managing the care of their dependents around their careers. With so many different pressures on them, this type of family can save a lot of time and hassle from understanding the correct way to look after their household workers from the start. With more and more available senior care options for the home environment, a sandwich-generation family can hire a senior caregiver to achieve a successful work/life balance that benefits everyone in their family.

Senior caregivers include medically trained professionals like physical therapists, registered nurses, and nutritionists, but can also include those who simply run errands, do the laundry, cook meals, and provide companionship. Regardless of what type of senior care you need, it is crucial that you use due diligence when it comes to hiring a caregiver for your loved one.

Should you use an agency to hire a senior caregiver, or hire on your own? Please download “Hiring Senior Care: Using an Agency versus Hiring on Your Own,” and contact us with questions or if you need more information.