We are already seeing long-term care problems in the present day, and we will continue to see the problem worsen in the upcoming years.

We are already seeing long-term care problems in the present day, and we will continue to see the problem worsen in the upcoming years. Patel and Rushefsky state the number of elderly (those 65 and over) is growing rapidly, and the segment of the elderly population growing the fastest is the 85-and-older group (2019, p. 183). Nursing homes are one of the costliest healthcare organizations. Since Medicare focuses primarily on acute care, long-term care is usually covered by a combination of public and private insurance, Medicaid, and out-of-pocket costs. Nursing home assisted living facility, home health organizations, and care from family needs to be reviewed, and to avoid a chaotic economy and burden of care on the elderly, the government should put their difference aside and focus on implementing cost-effective care plans that distribute the burden of care equally among all individuals, community, state, and federal level. Creating a long-term insurance policy on an income and assets basis to make it affordable to all and regulating the cost of nursing homes and other healthcare facilities by imposing higher taxes on revenue seems like some quick and easy fixes to me. These challenges could be managed through structural changes to existing entitlement programs, an increase in retirement savings among workers, and by providing incentives to shift retirement to later ages (Mather et al. 2016). Actions need to be in place immediately to be prepared for the upcoming surge in need for long-term care. Policies that encourage aging and wellness, education, and resources on health modifications and leading healthier life to prevent diseases and disorders would be beneficial in the long run. Preventing diseases, when possible, through vaccinations, preventative medical, active lifestyle, and diet modification at an earlier age will contribute to fewer health issues in the future. As Mather et al. emphasize, Obesity rates among older adults have been increasing, standing at about 40 percent of 65-to-74-year-olds in 2009-2012, and putting more people at risk of chronic disease and disability (2016). By providing free senior health programs such as fitness memberships, and community engagement programs, we can encourage the elderly to participate in their own well-being. The community-level education can include fall prevention, stroke prevention, free resources, and guidance to access health-related questions that may not need medical attention but for preparedness on what to do in emergencies. The other most significant focus should be on the caregivers. This includes physicians, nurses, PT, OT, etc. but more importantly, caregivers at home. By focusing the shift on providing proper training to the spouses/children of the elderly, we can empower a whole generation to be better equipped to take care of their family members. One way that it is informal caregivers, the overwhelming majority of whom are women, can be assisted is by employers, both public and private, providing options for their employees that will help them assist their disabled relatives, such as more robust medical and family leave policies (Patel and Rushefsky, 2019 p. 183). The RAISE Family Caregivers Act from the Trump administration includes offers some solutions to this problem. Respite options to lower the burden of care, adult day care centers that are run by local churches or communities, and free senior fitness classes run by local fitness clubs will all contribute towards the goal. Comment on the statement above. Do you agree or disagree? Why or why not