May Is National Aging Life Care Month
LONGMEADOW — New AARP research reveals that caregivers in the U.S. now exceed 53 million, with the number of individuals balancing caregiving responsibilities and work increasing from one in seven in 2020 to one in five today. The average time spent providing personal care has nearly tripled since 2020, highlighting the escalating demand for caregivers as the aging population continues to rise.
The Aging Life Care Assoc. established National Aging Life Care Month 13 years ago to raise awareness of a solution for families and caregivers supporting aging loved ones. Aging life care is a holistic, client-centered approach to caring for older adults, dependent adults, and others facing ongoing health challenges. Aging life care managers, also known as geriatric care managers, are strategic planners with expertise in crisis intervention, housing, health and disability, advocacy, family legal needs, and financial and local resources.
“Aging life care managers are dedicated to partnering with families and professionals to meet the unique needs of vulnerable seniors, fostering an optimal quality of life,” said Maura Lessard of Nurse Advocates LLC, an aging life care manager in Longmeadow. “Our role involves navigating through the complexities of medical, financial, legal, and social challenges that often accompany the aging journey, ensuring holistic and comprehensive care.”
Julie Wagner, CEO of the Aging Life Care Assoc., acknowledged the evolving landscape for aging care in 2024. “The challenges faced by caregivers today are multiplied, with factors like the ongoing demands on unpaid family caregivers contributing to increased complexities. We are seeing a significant rise in the demand for aging life care manager services, highlighting the critical need for support in navigating these challenges. We want families to know that help is available.”
The Aging Life Care Assoc. hopes National Aging Life Care Month will not only increase awareness of the professional services available, but also bring more people into this growing profession. Aging life care managers come from a variety of backgrounds in the health and human-services fields, including social work, nursing, gerontology, mental health, as well as occupational, physical, and recreational therapies. To access a national directory of professionals, visit aginglifecare.org.