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BABY BOOMERS CONFRONT THE FUTURE
We’ve all heard the phrase, the Baby Boomers, and we’ve all heard the stories of a generation which was born in the affluent years following World War II (and a subsequent smaller boom in the mid sixties) who seemed to have everything. A generation that welcomed consumerism; buying better houses, bigger cars and enjoying foreign travel. But this generation is about to face up to what we’ve all known; a growing elderly population needing care and attention in the next few years.
The over 65’s are forecast to be the fastest growing segment of the UK population with almost one in four of us being over 65 by 2031. The question has got to be how will these people be cared for and will they be able to keep their much loved independence? With more people preferring to stay in their own homes, the pressure on adult children to care for their parents only grows. But the mental, physical and social effects of caring for a loved one can be immense. However, the thought of selling the family house and installing your parents into a care home can fill most of us with a massive feeling of guilt which is unlikely to be overcome.
By bringing in a professional home carer many of the elderly will have the benefits of staying in their own house, retaining some independence whilst getting the care that they need. However, because of budgetary constraints less people are eligible for Local Authority funded home care whilst the numbers requiring it is increasing. Under the NHS’s Health Care Agenda specialist care partnerships are being formed with independent home care providers. By 2028 the demand for home care services is forecast to be 66% higher than in 2005.
Dominic Rothwell is Managing Director for SureCare, one of the UK’s foremost domiciliary care providers, “it is understandable that as we get older staying within our own homes surrounded by our memories and our possessions is important to keep a link to our past. A home carer is a professional who can help with any number of activities whether it be getting in and out of bed or just having a cup of tea and a chat. They give invaluable assistance as well as companionship at whatever level is required.”
Outsourcing home care to the elderly and infirm by the Local Authorities has increased continuously over the past 10 years with the domiciliary care market now a significantly growing industry in the UK. Home care organisations are accredited by the Commission for Social Care Inspection which grants approval to trade and also conducts regular inspections. The trade bodies for the industry are CERETAS and UKHCA (the UK Homecare Association) who monitor members and promote good practice within the industry. SureCare is a growing franchised business with almost 30 outlets across the UK. It prides itself on offering extensive training to all franchisees, with many of them coming from a medical background.
As a growing industry the home care market looks to be answering the needs of our elderly in the next few years with companies such as SureCare offering a dedicated and professional service for peace of mind. For further information on SureCare either as a provider or for business opportunities please call 01244 321199.
ENDS
For more information please contact Clive Reeves on 01543 501111 or email clive@wardlovett.com