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Running head: BUSINESS THST CATERS TO OLDER ADULTS

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Running head: BUSINESS THST CATERS TO OLDER ADULTS

Field Experience 3

Nera Richardson

Kennesaw State University

Introduction

The aging population is estimated to grow from 35.0 million in 2000 to 49.2 million 2016 accounting for 12.4 percent and 15.2 percent of the total population according to U.S. Census Bureau. The increasing number of older adult’s escalations demands on the public health system and on medical and social services. The aging population has changed the business landscape. The demand for businesses and services that cater to the elderly has become a challenge over the years, as a result, more public health programs must now be put in place to combat the growing problems associated with the older population such as disabilities, chronic illness, and injuries.

With the baby boomer living longer, living healthier lives and working longer the demand for older adult business is growing. The services provided to the elderly now is fair in my opinion since technology has become so advance businesses catering to the older population has to implement a new way to communicate with the new generations of the older population. Today people can order food online without having to go to the store or hire a taxi driver to drive them there. The older people need services that keeps them updated with today’s trend so they can live life independently as long as possible.

Method

In this field experience, I interviewed two businesses that catered to the older population. The first person I interviewed goes by the name of Latronda Perry a social worker/ coordinator at Cobb Senior Services and the second person goes by the name of Kim Adams Conine who works as the executive director of Senior Life Solution. The first interview was done via phone conversation and the second by face to face contact.

I asked each individual the following questions:

1. What services do they provide?

2. Why do the older populations need these services?

3. What is the cost?

4. Who run their company or businesses?

5. How do they market to the older population?

Result

Cobb Senior Services offers a variety of different services but the one I focus more on was the caregiving part. Cobb Senior Services offers several different services such as Assertive Technology, Meals on Wheels, In-Home Services, Share the Care, Computer Training, and Transportation. The caregiving part of the services helps residential patient life independently at the home. They provide resident assistance with daily living such as cooking, bathing, light housekeeping and assistance with medication. Meals on Wheel bring the resident a warm plate of food while Respite Care assists with personal care such as bathing and medication management. Respite Care gives out in home care vouchers to help caregiver with the family that has been diagnosed with Dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Latronda stated that Cobb Senior Services offer these services when the older person can no longer do the thing for themselves. They help them care for them so they can still live independently at their home. The cost of care is based on the older person income, social security or retirement. Medicaid or Medicare does not pay for the services provided and the company markets their services by flyers, doctor’s recommendations, and signage on buses, social media and via word of mouth.

Senior Care Solution is an agency located in Kennesaw that provide independent living care at an assistant living facility called Day Break Village. I had the opportunity to work there for several years as a caregiver before moving on to Walmart. The agency also works with two different facilities and also works with some residential clients. The agency offers services such as assistance with bathing, assistance with medication, light housekeeping and meal services. Day Break Village is an independent living facility but has also provided services for memory loss patient.

The memory lost patient requires 24 hours care and are kept in a secure locked down location of the building while the independent living client lives more independently. On the memory care side of the facility, they offer daily living care such as 24-hour care and daily exercise to keep their client active as much as possible. Most of the clients on the memory care are on hospice care, whereas the on the independent living side the client requires fewer services. The client living independently has access to indoor and outdoor activity, beautician salon onsite and private dining rooms.

Kim stated the older population needs these services when they have no family members to care for them or they simply can no longer live independently alone. The memory care clients’ needs these services to keep them safe. The services cost about $4500 to $5000 a month. Since the company is a privately and independently own, Medicaid does not pay for it. The company markets their services via hospitals referrals, rehabs, doctor offices, other senior community services and word of mouth by the family member.

Conclusion

Older people want to live in the own home as long as they can. With the older population grows, the businesses have to plan ahead to cater to their needs. The needs of these people will be different but with today technology businesses should implement services that help them live independently at home as long as possible. With the help of assistive technology, the older population can feel safe and live more comfortable at home. A business that caters to older people living at home has to make these services more affordable to their client. The older populations are slowly learning and becoming familiar using today’s technologies. Using the internet will enhance the life of a lot of older people living at home especially in term of communication. People no longer use the phone with cords and can easily call from their cell phone. With all the services provide the older population have a better opportunity of living more comfortable at home now that before it is just a matter of planning in advance.

References

Newcomb, Amy, and Julie Iriondo. “The Nation's Older Population Is Still Growing, Census Bureau Reports.” The United States Census Bureau, 22 June 2017, www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2017/cb17-100.html.

Latronda Perry

Social Worker/ Coordinator

Cobbs Senior Services

Tele: 770-528-5364

Kim Adams Conine

Executive Director

Senior Lifestyle Solutions

Tel: 770 218 6166 cell: 770 403 8251

Day Break village Senior Living

Kennesaw Ga 30144

www.daybreakvillge,com