The Evolution of Senior Care
Caring for seniors represents a common thread among many generations and cultures. Wise elderly community members hold a special place in the hearts of many. However, senior care has undergone several changes within the last 50 years. Read on to learn more about the evolution of senior care and how Visiting Angels of Pikesville/Owings Mills can help local seniors embrace these new care methods.
How Senior Care Has Evolved Over the Years
Putting a date to the beginning of senior care presents a nearly impossible task. The Social Security Act of 1935 helped establish private institutions that provided affluent seniors with long-term care. Amendments made in 1950 included payment for care in public institutions, spurring private and public nursing homes to spring up nationwide. However, assisted living facilities didn’t manifest until the late 1980s, when a more personalized approach became popular.
Indeed, the story of a different kind of senior home care began in 1989. Jeffrey Johnson dreamed of placing independence and personal choice at the core of senior caregiving services, complete with a compassionate and dedicated approach. In 1998, Jeffrey met co-visionary Larry Meigs, and together, the two formed Visiting Angels/Living Assistance Services. The company’s motto, “Caring first, profits second,” remains a driving force in every franchise.
The National Bureau of Economic Research forecasts that 70% of people who live to age 65 will require long-term care services at one or more points in their lives. A recent study also estimates that by 2030, a quarter of Americans will be over 65. If the trend of declining marriage and fertility rates and increasing life expectancy rates continues, the number of family caregivers is expected to decrease. This dichotomy could mean drastic changes for senior home care service providers as senior care continues to evolve.
A Different Kind of Senior Care
Senior care has come a long way since the mid-1900s. Below are several resources you can use to learn more about what senior home care services are available and how Visiting Angels of Pikesville/Owings Mills can help you and your aging loved one:
- Get the Most Out of a Free Home Care Consultation
- What Are Qualities of a Visiting Angels Caregiver
- 6 Ways Home Care Helps Seniors Age on Their Own Terms
- How Care Coordinators Support Senior Care
- Value of Senior Care: Costs and Benefits
Are you interested in learning more about Visiting Angels of Pikesville/Owings Mills? Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your needs and discover more about our senior home care services. Our staff prides themselves on creating customized care plans that address the needs of seniors and their loved ones. We also provide continuity of care when and where possible to improve overall quality of life.