What senior care is expected to look like in the future

The U.S. Census Bureau has predicted that almost 20 million Americans are projected to be 80 or older in the year of 2030.

Along with this, Caring.com, a website that strives to provide senior care by giving resources and referrals to family caregivers, has also released census data showing that by the year 2035 the number of senior citizens will outnumber younger populations.

With this in mind, Caring has emphasized how critical it is to meet the socioeconomic needs along with the mental and physical needs of senior citizens as the population is expected to increase.

While evaluating the care seniors are receiving, Caring recently conducted a survey called “The best places for seniors to live” which examined 302 cities throughout 50 states analyzing the quality of senior living.

“This comprehensive study is designed to help families and seniors understand and discuss the landscape for senior living in specific states, while also supporting our nation’s communities in better serving the growing population of seniors,” Jason Persinger, the Chief Digital Officer of Caring, said in the survey.

Within the survey, each city was graded in six categories ranging from senior housing, affordability and health care.

Some of the top-rated cities in the U.S. include Sanfransico, Washington D.C. and Boston.

The city of Fargo ranked 193 out of the 302 cities. Even though Fargo isn’t among the top ten cities, it is the top-ranked city for seniors to live in the state of North Dakota and is in the top ten places to retire within the state. According to Caring.com, about 14,000 seniors call Fargo home.

Some of the benefits Fargo offers to senior citizens is that there are plenty of affordable senior living options. The average cost of assisted living is $2,633 which is lower than the national average by $1,367.

Another aspect the survey focused on was the housing costs. Within Fargo, the average cost of housing is $861 per month as compared to the U.S. average of $1,375 per month.

Regarding the available housing for senior citizens, Fargo has 18 living options within city limits and 17 nearby. According to Caring, consumers rate senior living in Fargo with four out of five stars on average. West Fargo holds the best rating with five stars.

What Fargo lacks is the number of primary physicians per every 100,000 people in the state. There are about 75 physicians per 100,000 people while the national average is around 82 available physicians.

Careers working with senior citizens are always in high demand, but with the recent census data showing an increase in the senior population, these careers are going to require more employees more than ever.

Majors in nursing, counseling/psychology and social work are some specific areas that can lead to a path of caring for senior citizens. North Dakota State University offers majors and minors in all these fields of study giving students more options for a career path they want to pursue.

Students with a nursing degree can obtain a job within hospitals and schools, but they can also find work in nursing homes and hospices. The main role nurses have when working with senior citizens is ensuring they are receiving adequate care.

Nurses can also become home health nurses to assist people with medical procedures and medications living in the comfort of their homes.

A major in psychology and counseling opens the possibility of helping seniors with mental health issues and gives emotional support not only to the patients but to family members as well.

A major in social work can lead to a career serving as an advocate for senior citizens making sure their needs are met. Some job roles include assisting with legal issues and medical procedures.