Understanding Aged Care - A Growing Industry

| Thursday, December 8, 2011
By Bruce Jopples


A large portion of America's medical expertise is dedicated to aged care - a growing industry. This is undoubtedly a result of the postwar baby boom, in which the birthrate in America spiked to record levels after GIs returned from the second world war. This is turn lead to a huge population increase, and a focus on kid-oriented material. The affects the baby boom had are still felt today in the large medical revenues of facilities and drug companies.

The two most important aspects of this medical segment are its emotional and physical support. Physical support requires attention through medications and hospital visits, while emotional support is for the good will of the patient and to help them feel positive about aging, regardless of its shortcomings.

Chronic, preventable conditions such as lung cancer from a lifetime of smoking or liver failure in regards to alcohol consumption are also included in this physical aspect of care. The previous cultural acceptance of these two diseases does not mean a lesser form of care is given, and individuals are treated with as much respect and help as is given to those with chronic conditions in other medical facilities.

The various services for the elderly are becoming a highly profitable business, and as such, companies take advantage of it through the improvement and wide distribution of prescription products and medical services at qualified facilities. Increased hospitalization and medical visits can also be a form of investment for those with experience in the field, as they are often required over a set period of time for chronic conditions.

Assisted living is also a part of this large medical segment, and requires the expertise of both qualified nurses and maids who can look after patients with both clarity and cleanliness. It is a sought after job, as the industry only continues to grow, and a shortage of nurses and caregivers will only mean less care for those who need it.

This job may include emotional support as well, as many aging persons can live both at home or with others in a specialized facility, and can easily become lonely without the comforts of companionship. Talking to the persons that are being looked after or showing interest in their conversations are steps to alleviating these issues as they arise in the facility.

Mobility is often a boon to the happiness of the aged population, as it more than likely becomes harder to get moving with age. Despite this, by providing a myriad of options to those who have issues with movement can help to increase the positive outlook on life that is so critical to the aging populations of the developed world.




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