By Pamela D Wilson, The Care Navigator, CSA, MS, BS/BA, CG

The population growth of persons 65 and older represented 12.4% of the U.S. population in 2007, one in every eight Americans or 37.3 million persons. This population will continue to grow significantly. By 2010 it is expected to grow to 40 million (+15%) and by 2030 it will balloon to 71.5 million (+92) according to the Administration on Aging.

Companies interacting with this population that have foresight will begin to address issues that this population faces and will face. These include issues of health care, aging, long term care costs and planning, education about Medicare, Medicaid and insurance, identity theft, fraud and abuse, housing and many other related topics. Being proactive will result in greater and more widespread opportunities to meet the needs of the aging population.

The lack of education about issues associated with aging, Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, has contributed to he issues we are facing in the current economic decline and the greatest national budget crises our country has ever seen. These are common issues that the general population is unaware of until an immediate need arises and they are swept into a situation that reels out of control. However, many businesses today serving this population lack the time and expertise to educate or provide ancillary services beneficial to an aging population.

How many of your employees or clients are shocked to learn that Medicare does not pay for all of the care they or their parents need when they become ill?How many are not financially prepared for escalating health care costs after retirement?How many are vulnerable and accessible to identity theft, financial exploitation or fraud?How many have given no thought or planning to health care issues until crises arises and it's too late? 

The Care Navigator works with companies seeking to advance knowledge and education for employees, clients and other constituents relative to the needs of an aging population. The benefits include maximizing client satisfaction and employee effectiveness while providing education and services in demand by this population. 

Examples of business relationships include:

Medical, dental and alternative medicine offices and those serving the healthcare industry with baby boomer and older adult clientele seeking to grow their practicesBanking and financial institutions with an older population at risk for financial exploitation and fraud seeking to educate and protect vulnerable clientsRetirement associations managing assets for older adults unaware that family and friends are the most likely candidates to engage in financial exploitation Independent, assisted living and skilled facilities seeking to educate the community and increase visitors to their communitiesOrganizations participating in healthcare advocacy.

The Care Navigator works with you to identify client needs and develop programs that support your business goals while meeting the needs of the aging population.

Copyright 2011 Pamela D. Wilson, All Rights Reserved.

For more services available visit Guardianship, Financial Power of Attorney, Medical Power of Attorney, Personal Representative, Case Manager or Care Navigator and Move Manager Services.

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