Chamber News & Notes: Aging population creates new industry and jobs

The times are long gone when family was expected to take care of their aging parents.

In today’s mobile society, rarely do children live near enough to their aging parents, or if they do, they are working and raising their own families and might not have the time to do what is needed to attend to special needs that may come with caring for a not so healthy, home-bound parent.

The National Institute on Aging, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services study found “Managing population aging requires building needed infrastructure and institutions as soon as possible. The longer we delay, the more costly and less effective the solutions are likely to be.” Carson City is on it!

A whole new crop of health care businesses has emerged that were just beginning to surface 20 years ago: Retirement homes, memory care facilities, more nursing homes and rehabilitation centers, and companies specializing in in-home care for seniors, are but a few of the businesses specifically designed to address the needs of the aging.

Carson City has seen a growth in these sectors, further cementing its reputation as a regional health care center.

Dementia, especially Alzheimer’s disease, “is a growing concern and a consequence of old age with an estimated of 25-30 percent over 85 now experiencing some form of this disease,” according to the National Institute on Health.

Prestige Carson Tahoe Care Center, a new state-of-the-art memory care facility, is currently under construction and, if all goes as scheduled, will open in October on Mountain Street joining The Lodge Assisted Living & Memory Care on E. Long that opened in 2009. Both facilities provide specialized care for those with Alzheimer’s. Expect even more nursing and rehabilitation facilities to open as the population ages.

On the same street, across the parking lot from The Lodge, is Carson Plaza where independent seniors reside in upscale apartments. Sierra Place on W. College Parkway, too, provides upscale independent living in a caring environment. Skyline Estates on N. Mountain has more of a campus feel and offers independent and assisted living. All provide in-house dining with food prepared by chefs and activities to keep their population active and engaged.

For the lower income senior, Christina Court and Sierra Ridge - near the Multi-Use Athletic Facility (MAC) on Russell Way - offers newer apartment living for those who prefer to be around their age group. Autumn Village, beside the Carson City Senior Center, too, offers lower rents for qualified seniors. For those who prefer to live downtown, the Lander Studio Suites on S. Carson Street – once a motel – offers low cost studios for those who want to be where the action is.

In-home care agencies continue to grow providing care for those who prefer to age in place and may not be able to drive. Many businesses offer online ordering and pick-up or delivery options. In-home care providers make life a bit more pleasant by cleaning homes and conducting errands while providing companionship. Companies such as Life Made Easy dedicate their days to doing multiple errands. Owner Greg Krasovec says, “tell me what you need, and I will gather your request and then deliver your order to your doorstep.”

Social services agencies were created to champion the cause of seniors. Carson City has an active senior center serving low cost weekday meals and providing a comfortable place to socialize. Their meals-on-wheels program assures home-bound seniors have meals, and RSVP sends senior volunteers to look out for seniors.

To find businesses that specifically care for seniors, refer to the Carson City Chamber Business Directory on the homepage at www.carsoncitychamber.com.