How Do We Stop Ageism?

Ageism

As professionals working with older adults, we can STOP the stigma of old age According to the United States Census Bureau, there are over 48 million people 65 and older in the United States as of 2017, making up almost 15% of the population. . The projected population of people age 65 and older in 2060 is a staggering 98.2 million, with 19.7 million people age 85 and older.

As this population continues to grow, we need to continue to provide the best care. Everyone we work with needs to realize how important it is to believe in the STRENGTH of people, no matter what age.  Caregivers, family members, and all members of the interdisciplinary team play a major role in reversing the aging process.

Age is just a number

We should be challenging our clients and taking them to the next level.  I often hear my clients say how old they are and they are too old to do this.  Why do they say this and think this way? Ageism. We need to encourage our clients that they can improve and grow stronger at any age. Age truly is just a number.  

Providing Medical Necessity

This all reverts back to documenting skilled care. We need to be able to prove that our clients can get better and live more independently, no matter how old they are.  With chronic diseases and multiple co-morbidities, our clients may need increased time and duration of treatment. We can not give up on them. We must continue to show medical necessity in our treatments.  Their quality of life could be depending on us. Let’s put more life back in our client’s days and abolish ageism.TOP the stigma of old age.

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And if you haven't yet make sure to download our FREE PDF with skilled care documentation tips HERE!