A tidbit of insight from a fellow aging in place business owner. Unsolicited and (nearly) live from her Twitter feed.
“Boomers incorporate aging-in-place concepts into remodels because they witness their parents struggling with disabilities…”
Alesha Churba (@AEChurba)
I bring this to your attention because it is relevant to a majority of small business owners serving seniors.
Caregiving is an experience driving (and changing) the motivations of millions of Baby Boomers in the coming years. They are and will continue to care for their elderly parents. These situations will help shape their own desires about the quality of life they want for their later years.
Nothing can prepare you to care for your elderly parents and nothing can take away your feelings as you watch them decline. However, it can be made easier (if even a little). And, that is where you come in.
She reminded me of something I posted in an article the other day, “Reach them now when they are taking care of their parents. Cater to them. Make life easier on them, now. Help them. Gain customers for the future.” (Full article 50 Percent of Seniors are Online and Why You Should Care.)
This is incredibly insightful of Alesha and a great reminder to all of us that we are (or should be) providing real assistance to people. We’re helping their parents live better (longer, happier, healthier) lives. The fact that the act can provide us an opportunity for the continued existence of our companies is a bonus.
This post was not endorsed, condoned or prompted in any way by Alesha Churba. I just think she hit the nail on the head. Alesha is a member of Age in Place Professionals and has been for some time. I cannot assert that her awesomeness is in any way directly affected by her relationship with us. I’m thinking she has always been that way.
About Mark Hager
Wow- thank you Mark! I am very honored.
No, thank you for providing such an simple, yet powerful, insight for us. Follow Alesha on Twitter : http://twitter.com/AEChurba
Great insight by Alesha. When assessing home modifications for seniors it's so important to make sure their children are at the assessment. Many times, seniors won't give you their true problems and they act as if everything is okay and they don't need any help. The children tell the real story – that mom has trouble with the stairs, or dad has trouble getting in and out of the shower. By involving the children, you can perform a better assessment. At the same time, it gives the adult children an idea of what their needs might be in the future as they age. Planning ahead for aging-in-place always works best because little things can be done along the way instead of all at once.