Here is a reprint of the KUT Blog post .
Summer
is often a time to sit back, relax, and lather on the sunscreen. But
those with elderly family members might want to think twice before
letting their summer routines go lax.
Senior Helpers, an in-home care service for the elderly, recently released a “Senior Lost and Found Plan” to combat the increase in senior disappearances.
“Nationwide, there’s an uptake in senior disappearances,” said Frank Hayes with the Austin-area Senior Helpers. Hayes attributes the increase in senior population at a national level with the rising rate of missing elderly.
The Capital Area Council of Governments recently released a survey showing that the aging population in Central Texas will nearly double in the next two decades. The survey projects that the number of Austinites over the age of 65 will double to make up nearly 20 percent of the population by 2040.
“A lot of people don’t even think about it, but there are a lot of senior citizens that are driving, and they just forget where they are going,” said Hayes. “They drive around and they get totally lost.”
So what does this have to do with summer?
Forgetfulness and heat make a bad combination, explained Hayes.
The Senior Helpers note that summer is a particularly dangerous time for the elderly to go missing. Age-related illnesses such as dementia impair seniors’ ability to remember directions, like where they are going and why.
“Seniors – not just the ones with Alzheimer’s and dementia, but seniors in general – lose their ability to sense that they are dehydrated,” said Hayes. Such wanderings can prove especially dangerous in high temperatures.
Here are some helpful tips from Senior Helpers about how to keep track of aging loved ones:
"Learn About Senior In Home Health Care in Austin, Texas
Senior Helpers Provides Many services in the Austin, Texas area. We provide a full array of Home Care services for seniors and the elderly living in this beautiful area. Our Home Care Services are provided by bonded and insured employees and all employees pass a National Background check.
If you need Home Care services in Austin, Bartlett, Bertram, Briggs, Burnet, Cedar Park, Florence, Georgetown, Granger, Holland, Hutto, Jarrell, Johnson City, Killeen, Leander, Liberty Hill, Manor, Marble Falls, Pflugerville, Round Mountain, Round Rock, Salado, Spicewood, Taylor and the surrounding areas we are an excellent choice with impeccable references. Home Health Care for your elderly loved ones is never an easy choice but we can promise we will do our best to make it as painless as possible. From our family to yours we sincerely thank you for considering Senior Helpers of Austin Home Health Care Company. "
Senior Helpers, an in-home care service for the elderly, recently released a “Senior Lost and Found Plan” to combat the increase in senior disappearances.
“Nationwide, there’s an uptake in senior disappearances,” said Frank Hayes with the Austin-area Senior Helpers. Hayes attributes the increase in senior population at a national level with the rising rate of missing elderly.
The Capital Area Council of Governments recently released a survey showing that the aging population in Central Texas will nearly double in the next two decades. The survey projects that the number of Austinites over the age of 65 will double to make up nearly 20 percent of the population by 2040.
“A lot of people don’t even think about it, but there are a lot of senior citizens that are driving, and they just forget where they are going,” said Hayes. “They drive around and they get totally lost.”
So what does this have to do with summer?
Forgetfulness and heat make a bad combination, explained Hayes.
The Senior Helpers note that summer is a particularly dangerous time for the elderly to go missing. Age-related illnesses such as dementia impair seniors’ ability to remember directions, like where they are going and why.
“Seniors – not just the ones with Alzheimer’s and dementia, but seniors in general – lose their ability to sense that they are dehydrated,” said Hayes. Such wanderings can prove especially dangerous in high temperatures.
Here are some helpful tips from Senior Helpers about how to keep track of aging loved ones:
How Seniors Get Lost:
Senior Helpers "Senior Lost and Found Action Plan":
- Driving and forgetting directions or they can't find their destination.
- They make it to their destination but then can't find their car in the parking lot.
- Plan to meet at a familiar place and then can't find it.
- Go with family members and friends to a place and then get separated and/or lost.
- Wander or drive away from home and get completely lost - this is especially a problem with the elderly with dementia and/or Alzheimer's. Of the 5 million people who suffer from Alzheimer's, 60 percent of them will wander and become lost at some point during the disease. And sadly, of those who are lost for more than 72 hours, 80 percent never make it home.
- Give your senior a Smart phone and create an "If I'm Lost" folder on the home screen - in the folder, include the senior’s family and caregiver numbers, 911, a cab company phone number, and the senior's home address.
- Install a GPS tracking system on the senior's cell phone - make sure they have one for their car and they know how to use it.
- Make a plastic laminate card with all pertinent information – place this in your senior’s wallet and attach it to their car visor.
- Have your senior wear an ID bracelet - they come in very fashionable designs.
"Learn About Senior In Home Health Care in Austin, Texas
Senior Helpers Provides Many services in the Austin, Texas area. We provide a full array of Home Care services for seniors and the elderly living in this beautiful area. Our Home Care Services are provided by bonded and insured employees and all employees pass a National Background check.
If you need Home Care services in Austin, Bartlett, Bertram, Briggs, Burnet, Cedar Park, Florence, Georgetown, Granger, Holland, Hutto, Jarrell, Johnson City, Killeen, Leander, Liberty Hill, Manor, Marble Falls, Pflugerville, Round Mountain, Round Rock, Salado, Spicewood, Taylor and the surrounding areas we are an excellent choice with impeccable references. Home Health Care for your elderly loved ones is never an easy choice but we can promise we will do our best to make it as painless as possible. From our family to yours we sincerely thank you for considering Senior Helpers of Austin Home Health Care Company. "
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The economic effects of an ageing population are considerable. Older people have higher accumulated savings per head than younger people, but may be spending less on consumer goods. Depending on the age ranges at which the changes occur, an ageing population may thus result in lower interest rates and the economic benefits of lower inflation. Some economists (Japan) see advantages in such changes, notably the opportunity to progress automation and technological development without causing unemployment. They emphasize a shift from GDP to personal well-being.
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