According to the most recent information from the Census Bureau, 14.9% of the United States population are older adults; that is, they are over 65 years of age. This percentage corresponds to 47.8 million older people throughout the country. 

For its part, the Institute of Aging organization ensures that in 2005 56% of people over 80 years of age reported a severe disability, and 29% reported that they needed assistance. Likewise, this organization ensures that in 2009, 25% of Medicare beneficiaries over 65 years of age reported having difficulties with at least one activity of daily living.

Naturally, as we age, physical limitations increase. But it is not the only thing that changes over the years, but also psychological and social changes that impact the quality of life of the elderly population and their families if they live in a family environment. 

For Dr. Magaly Ojeda, Lead Health Promotion Counselor and Coordinator at Vida Senior Centers, the support of a caregiver is important if an older adult has a loss of functional capacity, that means, if he or she has problems bathing, dressing, preparing food, go shopping or doing this kind of daily activities.

According to the Institute of Aging, 13% of men ages 65 to 74 reported not being able to perform at least one activity of daily living, compared with 40% of men 85 and older who informed the same difficulty. For their part, 19% of women aged 65-74 were unable to perform at least one of these activities, compared with 53% of women aged 85 and over. 

“The most important function of a caregiver is that they are there for them, they are the first line of care, and no one knows an older adult better than their caregiver,” says Dr. Magaly Ojeda.

“If it is an older adult who needs help to bathe and prepare food, a family member can easily do it,” says the doctor, who highlights the importance of, as far as possible, keeping seniors in their environment and your space under the care of an acquaintance or loved one. 

However, Dr. Ojeda recognizes that many of the elderly in the US’s capital live alone, and especially during the pandemic, the impact of the effects of the isolation was profound on their moods, generating some episodes of depression and sadness.

“The most important thing about caregivers is that the care they give to the elderly is exceptional, and thanks to that, they survive because imagine what would happen without being able to bathe or cook,” says the doctor. 

Among the benefits of having an accompaniment for the elderly is the opportunity to socialize and carry out activities to stay physically and mentally active, which prevents and reduces the risk of suffering from diseases. 

Likewise, having the support of a companion or a caregiver provides a sense of security and tranquility not only to the elderly but to their social and family environment. The company favors the mood of people and improves the feeling of well-being. 

Finally, having a caregiver or the company of a family member makes the supervision of the taking of medications more effective because, in most cases, taking medicines are part of the daily routine, and therefore, it is essential to supervise the correct amount and time appropriate in each case.