I stumbled upon something disturbing in my inbox the other day.
The suicide rates had been steadily declining since 2018. But in 2021 – those rates took a sharp turn upward and the trend continues to grow. As of right now, the rate is at 14.3 suicide deaths per 100,000 total deaths – the highest it’s been since 1941.
I also had to do a double take when I saw the population that was most at risk: adults aged 75+.
While heartbreaking, I take this news as a wake-up call.
Our society is not doing a good job of caring for the aged.
Many long-term care facilities are wracked by malpractice and abuse, not to mention they are crummy places to spend your golden years.
With kids taking longer to leave the nest, adult children are often torn between taking care of their children and their parents. This often leads to loneliness and isolation among the older generation.
In the past, mental health has been a taboo subject, leading people to deal with problems on their own, rather than seek help.
BUT I AM HOPEFUL. Here’s why:
- Nursing Home Reform:
As of September 2023, The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), issued a proposed rule that seeks to establish comprehensive staffing requirements for nursing homes—including, for the first time, national minimum nurse staffing standards.
These two innovative businesses are turning senior care upside down. They make it easier than ever to seamlessly manage caring for your younger and older family members. With these tools, isolation can be a thing of the past.
- Changes with Medicare’s Mental Health Services:
Thanks to some regulatory and legislative changes, Medicare’s pool of behavioral health providers has been expanded. Beginning in January 2024, Medicare will allow marriage and family therapists and mental health counselors to provide services.
As a millennial, I want retirees to know how valued and needed they are in our society.
I don’t want anyone leaving us before their time, including Seniors.
I am hopeful that in the coming years, these troubling statistics will take a downward turn.