BjK Seniors' Advocate Helping Senior Citizens

The Need for Gentle Advocacy for Senior Citizens

Are you worried about your parents or grandparents, or your own health care and well-being? You are not alone.

We at BjK Seniors' Advocate understand and we can help.

The health care system is stretched to the limit and unable to meet demands, and government cutbacks are leaving huge gaps in services, reducing available options.

The burden of care has shifted on to adult children — the "sandwich" generation — who are already overloaded with caring for their children and spouses, career demands, and managing personal health and financial issues.

Trying to decipher the complexities of the health care system and care options is an overwhelming challenge for both seniors in need of support and their families who are juggling demands and want the best possible care for their parents.

Understanding the Needs of an Aging Population

You have a greater opportunity today to 'Be Prepared' for the future than ever before, but it is not just financial preparedness that you need, there's so much more to consider. It's easy to say "you just want a little respect, dignity and to have your values honored" but as a senior citizen you will need the support of others who may not even know you; to help you maintain your respect, your dignity and values.

Family, friends, care homes, caregivers, nurses, doctors, social workers and hospitals will all appreciate your advance planning as all of these people (your support network) play a role in helping you live your life as an individual.

Adult children's lives are complicated today as they try to balance work, their own childcare and family issues, social activities and their own health and financial issues. As parent's you may not have wanted to talk to your children about your health issues or discuss financial issues with them. Your children may live out of town, or perhaps you don't have children. These life circumstances can instantly lead to a crisis if you are not prepared.

These are just a few reasons why its important to know and understand your options and to have your personal information readily available when a support network steps in to help you when you are no longer able to speak up for yourself. Work with professional consultant Barbara Kirby of BjK Seniors Advocate; she can help you prepare for the indignities and stresses that arise if you are not prepared. You choose to have quality of life; to live with dignity through thoughtful planning while as an elderly person you live in a senior's residence, care home or in your own home with the help of family and or professional caregivers.