Introduction
The population of Americans aged 65 years and above is on the increase.
This has been the case for more than a century now. In fact, this group of the populace has witnessed a 30 folds’ increase between the years 1870 and 2000. It is important to note that this group of Americans is increasing at a higher rate in comparison with other groups. Thanks to an improvement in a number of demographic factors, the country’s life expectancy increased from 47 years in 1900 to 77 years by 2000. Over the last century, only 4 per cent of the country’s total population was above 65 years. Currently, this population averages 13%. During the first decade of the 21st, century, the aging population has continued to increase. It is expected that by 2030, Americans over the age of 65 years shall account for more than 20% of the total population (Moody, 2006, p. 20). In the coming decades, the U.S population will be skewed towards the older and middle-aged generation. This change in America’s demographic structure has resulted in the emergence of various agencies whose role is to care for the aging in the society. There are a number of such resources in the U.S as discussed below.
Area IV agency on Aging and Community Action Program
This agency operates in Indianapolis in such counties as Hamilton and Marion. The agency is committed to providing quality life for the aged and the physically challenged individuals in the society. The agency has developed programs aimed at promoting the needs of the elderly, frail, physically challenged individuals who are the most vulnerable. For example, these individuals have a high probability of being economically deprived.
CICOA Foundation Incorporation
This is the largest aging agency resource centre in Indiana. The agency serves a number of areas which include Hamilton, Hancock, Boone, and Marion, Hendricks, Morgan, Shelby and Johnson counties. A large population of aging population in Indiana is able to access their services. The agency has a number of resources such as care management, offering meals, development of strategies aimed at advocating elder-friendly societies in the local areas via its Lifelong Living Communities. By offering meals, the agency aids in promoting healthy living among the elderly, and this in effect increases their lifespan. To ensure that all the aging population in Indiana access their services, the firm has incorporated a caregiver assistance program which entails contracting other agencies to support in provision of supplemental services to its 1500 caregivers (Cicoa, 2010, para. 6). In an effort to improve its aging resource center, the firm holds speaking engagements and health fairs which contribute towards provision of information regarding aging. In addition, the agency has a program which contains comprehensive information on the most effective ways of taking care of the aged. Some of the information provided relate to daily living assistance, cleaning services, medical assistance, and in-home meals.
Indianapolis Senior Centre
This agency has developed a number of programs aimed at promoting the lives of individuals aged 55 years and above. Through the agency, the elderly are taken care of through various services such as educational facilities, health and recreation activities. For effective execution of services, the agency has well trained healthcare professionals. Through these services, the agency ensures that the aged enjoys healthier lifestyles. As a result, the elderly is able to attain rewarding lives despite the physical challenges that they face (Indianapolis Senior Centre, 2010, para. 1).
Joy House; care giver support
Over the years, Joy House has realized the changes taking place in the society. As a result, the organization is committed in addressing the effect of the changes on the aging population (McIntosh, 2009, p. 2). The agency is devoted to providing comfort, care and safety to the aged. The agency is a non-profit making organization aimed at providing services to the aged on daily basis. Caring for the elderly is mentally and physically challenging. The agency provides relieve to families of the aged. The organization’s services are developed in such a way that they provide solutions to social and health services to elderly people who require supervised care on daily basis. The organization enables the elderly to be part of a social environment which is specifically developed to improve the life quality. In its resource center, the organization provides comprehensive information to caregivers in the society on the various alternatives that can be used to improve the lifestyle of the aging (McIntosh, 2009, p. 8).
Care Givers Home Health Care Incorporation
The organization provides high quality services to its clients, in this case, the aged. In order to attain this, the organization ensures that it provide personalized services thus improving the quality of life in their own homes. The organization is committed to enhancing physical, spiritual and mental aspects of all in the society. The organization boasts of qualified professionals who help in the provision of personalized in-home care (Care Givers Home Health Care Incorporation, 2010, para. 1).
Reference List
Area IV Agency. (2010). Area IV Agency on Aging and Community Action Programs: mission statement. Web.
Care Givers Home Health Care Incorporation. (2010). Company history. Edmonton, AB: White Oaks Professional Centre.
CICOA. (2010). Aging and in-home solution: about CICOA. Web.
Indianapolis Senior Centre. (2010). Healthcare professionals. Indianapolis: Buckaroo Marketing. Web.
McIntosh, T.M. (2009). Joy House annual report. Indianapolis, Indiana: Joy House Incorporation.
Moody, H. (2006). Aging: concepts and controversies. New York: Pine Forge Press.