It’s Been Said, Growing Older is Not for Sissies

Posted on September 12, 2023

Senior care presents a host of challenges in a world where the population is aging at an unprecedented rate. As our elderly loved ones confront complex healthcare needs and navigate the intricacies of an evolving healthcare landscape, patient advocates play an increasingly crucial role in ensuring their concerns are heard and their needs are met.

Sixty percent of current clients at Patient Advocates of Southwest FL, LLC are senior citizens aged 65 or older. Combined and not entirely unexpected, this group currently represents 78% of our billable hours. It came as no surprise while reading about the challenges of senior care. What did leave an impression upon learning of the rapid growth of this age group during the last 100 years.

Senior care presents a host of challenges in a world where the population is aging at an unprecedented rate. As our elderly loved ones confront complex healthcare needs and navigate the intricacies of an evolving healthcare landscape, patient advocates play an increasingly crucial role in ensuring their concerns are heard and their needs are met.

The advocate[i], whether family members, friends, or professionals, serve as tireless champions for our seniors, striving to improve the quality of care, improve their overall well-being, and safeguard their rights. In this blog, I explore the common challenges associated with senior care and the most important role patient advocates play in addressing these concerns, fostering a better quality of life for this segment of our aging population while beginning to consider effective approaches.

Common challenges associated with senior care:

1. Aging Population: “The U.S. population age 65 (about 1 in 6 people) and over grew nearly five times faster than the total population over the 100 years from 1920 (1 in 20) to 2020, according to the 2020 Census reached 55.8 million or 16.8% of the United States in 2020. From 2010-2020, the number of the Older Population witnessed an increase of 15.5 million people, largely driven by aging baby boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) who began turning 65 in 2011.[ii]

Patient Advocate Strategy

· Advocate for increased funding and resources for senior care programs.

· Support policies that promote healthy aging and preventive care.

2. Healthcare Costs: Many seniors struggle with healthcare affordability and access. A larger population in this age group leads to an increased demand for senior services and adds pressure to the existing care infrastructure and resources. For example, 80% of older adults have at least one chronic condition. Many have multiple conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, dementia, cognitive and mental health issues, physical injury and disability, malnutrition, sensory impairments, and others.

Patient Advocate Strategy

· Assist seniors by answering and helping them to understand their insurance coverage and explore available subsidies.

· Advocate for policies that make healthcare more affordable for seniors.

3. Quality of Care: Ensuring high-quality care for seniors, including addressing their unique medical, emotional, and social needs, is currently challenged. Quality can and does vary widely between different care providers and facilities.

Patient Advocate Strategy

· Research and choose care providers with a reputation for high-quality senior care.

· Stay involved in the senior’s care plan and provide feedback with an emphasis on improving quality of life.

4. Caregiver Shortages: A growing population of older adults, as evidenced by a ten-year increase in life expectancy from 1960 to 2015[iii], along with the senior care workforce, which is underpaid and often not respected, leading to high turnover and staffing shortages.

Patient Advocate Strategy:

· Consider alternative care models, such as telehealth or community-based care.

· Lobby for increased funding and training opportunities for caregivers.

5. Mental Health: Mental health problems, which may include isolation, affective and anxiety disorder, dementia, and psychosis, among others. At least one in four older adults experiences some mental disorder, such as depression, anxiety or dementia. Due to population aging, the number of seniors with mental disorders is expected to double by 2030.[iv]

Patient Advocate Strategy:

· Encourage regular mental health check-ups and destigmatize seeking mental health support.

· Advocate for increased access to mental health services for seniors.

6. Elder Abuse: Elder abuse is a silent problem that robs seniors of their dignity and security and, in some cases – costs them their lives. Up to five million older Americans are abused yearly, with the annual loss by victims of financial abuse estimated to be at least $36.5 billion.[v] Detecting and preventing elder abuse can be challenging, as seniors may be isolated or unable to report abuse.

Patient Advocate Strategy:

· Be vigilant for signs of abuse and report any suspicions to appropriate authorities.

· Support policies that strengthen elder abuse prevention and enforcement.

7. Care Coordination: Seniors often require care from multiple providers and may have complex medical histories. Coordinating care among different healthcare professionals can be difficult, leading to fragmented care, causing increased hospital and emergency department use, unnecessary testing, and increased medical costs.

Patient Advocate Strategy:

· Maintain a comprehensive medical record and share it with all care providers.

· Advocate for integrated healthcare systems and care coordination services.

8. Technology Adoption: Many seniors are not familiar with or resistant to using technology that could improve their care and quality of life. Bridging the digital divide is a challenge.

Patient Advocate Strategy:

· Offer training and support for seniors to become comfortable with technology.

· Advocate for accessible and user-friendly technology solutions for seniors.

9. Housing and Accessibility: Finding suitable, affordable housing that is accessible for seniors with mobility challenges is yet another obstacle. Age-friendly housing options are in short supply in most areas and are not always available.

Patient Advocate Strategy:

· Research and promote age-friendly housing options in the community.

· Advocate for building codes that prioritize accessibility and safety for seniors.

10. Family Caregiver Burden: Family members often take on the role of caregivers for seniors who are emotionally and physically demanding. This places a burden on families and often impacts their own well-being.

Patient Advocate Strategy:

· Seek respite care options to give family caregivers a break.

· Advocate for policies that provide support and resources for family caregivers.

11. End-of-Life Care: Providing compassionate end-of-life care and honoring seniors' wishes can be complex. Advance care planning and discussions about end-of-life preferences are often avoided.

Patient Advocate Strategy:

· Encourage advance planning and open discussions about end-of-life preferences.

· Advocate for hospice and palliative care services that honor patient choices.

12. Cultural and Diversity Considerations: It is estimated that 34% of seniors will be persons of color by 2040.[vi] Seniors come from diverse cultural backgrounds, and cultural factors can influence their needs. Providing culturally competent care is often and unintentionally overlooked.

Patient Advocate Strategy:

· Promote cultural competency training for healthcare providers.

· Advocate for inclusive and culturally sensitive senior care services.

13. Healthcare Policy and Funding: Ongoing changes in healthcare policy and funding impact senior care services. Ensuring adequate care and support for senior care can and often is both a political and policy challenge.

Patient Advocate Strategy:

· Stay informed about healthcare policy changes and their potential impact.

· Advocate for policies that prioritize senior healthcare needs and funding.

14. Pandemic Preparedness: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted vulnerabilities in senior care facilities. Preparing for future public health crises while protecting seniors is a concern.

Patient Advocate Strategy:

· Advocate for senior care facilities to have robust infection control measures.

· Support policies that ensure adequate stockpiles of PPE and rapid response plans.

In the face of multifaceted challenges surrounding senior care, patient advocates (in every capacity) are the steadfast allies who drive attention toward improved care, greater dignity, and enhanced quality of life. By advocating for change, promoting awareness, and fostering compassionate care, advocates make a profound difference in the lives of our elderly loved ones.

In the ongoing journey to ensure that seniors receive the respect and support they deserve, patient advocates are the unwavering voice, the compassionate guide, and the tireless proponent, striving to create a brighter and more dignified outcome for all.

[i] While for purposes of this writing, patient advocate referenced as a credentialed professional is also known as care partner, family, and/or trusted friend.
[ii] Caplan, Zoe: U.S. Older Population Grew From 2010 to 2020 at Fastest Rate Since 1880 to 1890. May 25, 2023. https://bit.ly/3Z8SCFP.
[iii] Advisory Board: 5 insights on the challenges facing senior care. May 2023. https://www.advosory.com/topics/senior-care/2023/05/challenges-faciing-senior-care.
[iv] PAHO; Pan American Health Organization. Seniors and Mental Health. https://bit.ly/3RgQUA5.
[v] national council on aging: Get the Facts on Elder Abuse. Feb 23, 2021. https://www.ncoa.org/article/get-the-facts-on-elder-abuse.
[vi] Caplan, Zoe: U.S. Older Population Grew From 2010 to 2020 at Fastest Rate Since 1880 to 1890. May 25, 2023. https://bit.ly/3Z8SCFP.