6 Misconceptions about Elder Care and Assisted Living

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    Canada has a rapidly aging population which will require care and support in the years to come. Elder care, while often stigmatized as “boring”, can be a rewarding career option. This serene occupation which provides attentive care to those who need assistance in their day-to-day lives is a rewarding career for anyone suitable for the job.  

    Over the years, countless myths and stereotypes have been spread about this emerging industry (and the people it serves!). This article aims to bring clarity and dispel some of the more outlandish claims that have been made about companion care for the elderly:

    • Elder care is “boring”
    • We are long past the days of “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up”
    • The elderly is “low-tech”
    • Caregivers are chosen solely by the elder
    • Only wealthy people can afford elder care
    • Caregivers don’t care about their clients

    Before we start discussing the different misconceptions about elder care and assisted living, we would like to remind you that every last Wednesday of May, like May 26, 2021, is National Senior Health & Fitness Day. Keep an eye out for any events or special activities being hosted in areas near you, or at the very least, take the time off to focus on your health. We all need it every now and then. 

    Elder Care Is "Boring"

    While the job may not be particularly suited to the typical type-A, high energy folks who require constant action to remain involved in their work, elder care remains to be an occupation that is anything but boring. The opportunity to learn from our society’s most senior citizens, get their insights on life and learn from them is certainly an alluring prospect for healthcare aides. Furthermore, many seniors remain very active, often participating in recreational sport leagues and attending fitness classes on a regular basis. Besides, who doesn’t love bingo?

    We Are Long Past The Days Of “I’ve Fallen And I Can’t Get Up”

    Despite immediate emergencies remaining a constant threat for seniors living in their own homes, the elderly population today is presented with a much more complex set of challenges to handle. As technology continuously advances, homes have become much more intricate environments, requiring expertise and knowledge to be navigated effectively. Seemingly simple appliances like stove ovens, refrigerators or even washer and dryer sets have become awfully complex, often leaving elderly users confused and perplexed in their attempts to operate them.

    The Elderly Is “Low-Tech”

    While this remark partly contradicts the previous observation made, there has been a definite and gradual rise in the use of what can be considered “high-tech” by the elderly. Social media networks, once seen as the vanguard of technological advancement, are now surprisingly popular among seniors: According to the Pew Research Centre, 62 per cent of all online adults over 65 years of age use Facebook daily. Furthermore, several services, such as the Senior Planet Exploration Centre, have emerged with the mission to teach older adults how to become more comfortable navigating cyberspace. As the digital divide becomes more apparent between generations, teaching the elderly how to use current technology can be a rewarding experience for caregivers.

    Discover our four favourite tech devices for elder care

    Caregivers Are Chosen Solely By The Elder

    The choice of the appropriate caregiver is most usually a collective decision that involves the elder, their family, health care specialists and even friends. While the prospect of convincing an elder to be their primary care specialist can be a daunting proposition for any health care aide, the process is usually seamless and congenial, involving many different perspectives simultaneously. Furthermore, most health care aides benefit from being employed by specialized staffing agencies which match them with the most appropriate elders, often fitting to their own personality and skills.

    Only Wealthy People Can Afford Elder Care 

    Although 24/7 live-in services or top-notch private nursing homes can cost well over several tens of thousands of dollars per month, the reality is that a specialized home care service is generally very affordable. Most assisted living companies offer their services entirely based on each senior’s individual needs, and it is easy and convenient for potential clients to pick out only the most essential ones they require. It is common belief that assisted living is expensive, but with a proper budgeting and shopping acumen, elders can receive all the necessary care they require for only a modest amount.

    Health care workers do care
    Caregivers are hired because they care about their patients

    Caregivers Don’t Care About Their Clients

    It’s very important to hire a qualified elder care aide from a reputable and respected organization. Companies are usually extremely stringent with whom they hire, only selecting the best after a series of interviews, background checks and competency tests. While reports of elder abuse are horrifying to hear about, they are fairly rare occurrences, with many health care aides often becoming close friends with the elders they care for.

    There are many more reasons why health care aides are in demand, and the profession remains to be a remarkable one for anyone to be a part of. Lastly, if you are interested in being a part of this invaluable industry, try considering how a Health Care Aide Certificate program can fast-track your career

     

    It’s very important to hire a qualified elder care aid from a reputable and respected organization. Companies are usually extremely stringent with whom they hire, only selecting the best after a series of interviews, background checks, and competency tests. While reports of elder abuse are horrifying to hear about, they are fairly rare occurrences, with many health care aids often actually becoming close friends with the elders they care for.

    Interested in a career in elder care? Want to make a difference in the lives of elderly citizens? Check out the link below to learn more about the Health Care Aide Certificate program at ABM College!

    Elder Care
    A student writing on their notebook.

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