Blog

Empowerment is the New Face of Aging

We’ve celebrated a couple milestones at LifeCare Advocates in the last year or so. In 2023 we celebrated 30 years of helping our clients age well and in their own homes for as long as possible. And this year, our CEO, Kate Granigan, is serving as the president of the Aging Life Care Association (ALCA), our professional organization. ALCA itself was formed about 40 years ago.

As ALCA and our company have grown, the concept of aging in America has undergone a profound transformation. Thirty to 50 years ago, the options for senior care were relatively limited. The aging process was often viewed through a lens of inevitability, with little emphasis on wellness or active living. Nursing homes and assisted living facilities were the norm, and the idea of aging in one’s own home was more of an exception than a rule.

Today’s narrative around aging has shifted dramatically. With advancements in healthcare and a growing emphasis on wellness, more and more seniors are choosing to age in their own homes, leading vibrant and independent lives well into their later years. Technology and home modifications have also played a big role in empowering seniors to maintain their independence.

This longevity revolution has shifted the focus from mere survival to thriving in one’s senior years. Aging in place, or staying in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, has become a feasible and desirable option for many.

The role of Aging Life Care managers

In this new era of aging, the role of Aging Life Care managers has become increasingly important. We serve as guides and advocates for older adults and their families, helping them navigate the complex maze of aging services, healthcare, and long-term care planning.

We also know that aging well isn’t just about addressing health needs. It also involves considering housing options, social connections, mental health, and legal and financial planning. By working with these experts, seniors and their families can create a comprehensive plan that covers all aspects of aging, tailored to the individual’s needs and preferences. Aging Life Care managers serve as a sort of “general contractor” to help clients manage it all—especially helpful when adult children are busy or far away.

Empowering seniors to take control

A significant part of aging well at home involves empowering seniors to take control of their physical and mental health. Aging Life Care managers play a crucial role in this by providing resources and support to help seniors manage chronic conditions, stay physically active, and maintain a healthy diet. They also focus on mental and emotional well-being, connecting clients with social activities, community resources, and mental health services as needed.

The future of aging at home

As we look to the future, it’s clear that Aging Life Care managers will be pivotal in ensuring that seniors can do more than just live longer—we help ensure that our clients enjoy a higher quality of life (what we like to call “optimal aging”). All of us at LifeCare Advocates look forward to many more years of helping empower our clients and transforming the aging experience.