Earlier this year, PBS aired an eye-opening exposé on the failings within the eldercare industry on an episode of Frontline, casting a dark shadow on assisted living communities before a national audience. Yet, as much as older adults and their loved ones may have been appalled by the searing evidence of corruption and misconduct, no one could be more shocked and saddened than the leagues of care managers and care givers who earnestly strive to improve the lives of older adults every day.
In what may be seen as a follow-up to the explosive Frontline piece, PBS NewsHour recently invited Dr. Bruce Chernof, president of the SCAN foundation, a public charity committed to senior care, to discuss the obstacles facing older adults and care managers today.
Dr. Chernof, who also acts as chair of the federal government’s Commission on Long-Term Care, bluntly expressed doubt over whether the current eldercare system can cope with the impending wave of older Baby Boomers – many of whom will likely require some degree of care for years to come.
In his position as committee chair, Dr. Chernof created a report to advise Congress on improvements that could truly benefit older adults. One essential change, he noted, is an ideological one. Rather than focusing on where to put older adults, legislators and caregivers must take a more “family-centric” approach that prioritizes aging in place with dignity.
As we’ve touched on previously, millions of Americans have taken on the role of caregiver for older adult family members, and Dr. Chernof argues that long-term care policies must acknowledge this reality and include provisions for caregiver support that speak directly to this population.
At Independa, our top priority is to improve the quality of life that older adults enjoy each day, whether they reside in senior living communities or at home. Contact us through our online form to learn more.
