Getting Older & Getting Better!
Time to celebrate Older Americans Month: By Julia Yarbough
In case you didn’t already know this, May is Older Americans Month.
What exactly does that mean? Well, it is a time when various local, regional, state, and federal agencies share information and resources focused on the needs of older Americans. (So really, that means all of us, because we are ALL aging).
When I think about aging, my thoughts go to what my future will look like in another 10, 20, 30 years. I can’t help but wonder…
Will employers see value in my years of experience or only look at my age?
Will there be enough health providers properly trained in gerontology and of those, will there be diversity amongst staff? How will issues of equity and disparity in care play out?
How will technology in communications, health care, transportation, and housing adapt to fit the needs of changing demographics, or will these basic life offerings only focus on ‘the 20-30 somethings?’
Yes, it is Older Americans Month, which means it is a time to actively focus on what it means to age and how that impacts our society across the board. Consider this a nudge to take steps to get involved. You can start by supporting Keeping It REAL Caregiving as a voice for shared experiences and advocacy.
At Keeping It REAL Caregiving, we continue to support partner agencies in this mission.
On the Policy Front
Many of us in the family caregiving role have, currently, or will experience the realities and challenges of needing to turn to facility care for an aging loved one.
From personal experience of caring for my mother, Miss Nellie, one of my biggest fears was the observation of limited staffing within facilities. I often asked providers, ‘Do you have a legal standard of how many people MUST be on duty per shift, per client?’ That answer was typically, ‘No.’
However, there is huge progress on this front in the form of federal guidelines for how many staff have to be in place for nursing homes. (Keep in mind, privately owned assisted living facilities do not fall into this category. Make sure to ask that question when you research possible care needs).
From the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS):
On April 22, 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) affirmed its commitment to hold nursing homes accountable for providing safe and high-quality care for the nearly 1.2 million residents living in Medicare- and Medicaid-certified long-term care facilities by issuing the Minimum Staffing Standards for Long-Term Care (LTC) Facilities and Medicaid Institutional Payment Transparency Reporting final rule.Â
To read the full news release click here.
Keep in mind, there are two sides to every story. While many of us caring for aging loved ones might see this rule as a huge win, not everyone agrees. And that includes many within the nursing home industry.
Check out this article from Home Health Care News, an outlet tracking the latest developments from the ‘industry’ side of the aisle.
What do YOU think about this change?
California Taking the Lead
The California Department of Aging continues evolving resources and programs to support those caring for others. Like the CalGrows program to teach caregivers valuable skills.
As people become more aware of the services available in the state and their local community, the more they tap into benefits of connection, including reduced serious illness, increased activity, healthier eating, and more restful sleep.
During Older Californians Month this May, Keeping It REAL Caregiving is proud to play a role in ‘connecting the dots’ for others to access information.
Part of that is directing you to a new Aging in California Resource Guide.
KIRC will be working to get this guide hosted on our website as well.
*KIRC is a member of the California Department of Aging’s Equity in Aging and Disability Advisory Committee.
Share YOUR story regarding caregiving insights and or challenges with KIRC as part of ongoing meetings with state policy makers.
How are you thinking about aging?
As you know, Keeping It REAL Caregiving had the honor of attending the 2024 American Society on Aging On Aging conference in San Francisco several weeks ago.
In case you missed it, I had the chance to spend time with the CEO of the organization Next50, Peter Kaldes.
You can read and watch our interview here.
I also encourage you to check out a recent article written by Mr. Kaldes, Age matters: Embracing the value of growing older.
It provides some serious food for thought on how all of us can (and likely should) shift our thinking about aging.
After caring for my mother and seeing the realities that emerge with each passing year, I know I am determined to make more educated choices when it comes to:
My health and well-being.
Lifestyle choices for physical and mental health.
Finances and planning ahead.
Keeping emergency preparation for natural disasters in the mix.
Not waiting until a crisis emerges to begin thinking about the future.
The Keeping It REAL Caregiving challenge to all of you as we kick off Older Americans Month?
I challenge you to take one actionable step each week that builds your knowledge and readiness for not only the future of someone you are caring for but also for yourselves! Would love to hear what some of you decide to tackle!
And finally…
Keeping It REAL Caregiving is excited to announce the creation of - DRUM ROLL PLEASE…. a non-profit programming arm to the KIRC mission!
Caring Across Communities, Inc. is now OFFICIAL and is in the process of creating a dedicated portal for programming and partnering with other care-driven agencies across multiple venues.
Look for details of our first official initiative in the coming days!
PLUS - I am also thrilled to share that work is underway on the Keeping It REAL Caregiving inspired book.
The journey of child, to grown daughter, to mother to my mother, to caregiving advocate has taught me so much. All of that is now coming together in one offering. It is a labor of love and a desire to help others stepping into this new world.
This is a busy and exciting time! THANK YOU for the continued support and WELCOME ABOARD to our newest family members.
Your input, comments, suggestions, and feedback is welcome! And don’t forget, if you have a story to contribute, KIRC invites you to be a Guest Essayist!
Until next time~
Julia
