SNAP (Food Stamps now called Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) offering job training in many fields..
The more people who take Elder Care Assistant, CNA or Preschool Teacher, the better. Many times there is part-time or per diem work. Some states allow family to be paid for doing home care for elders (or childcare..if that program is still up and running.)
Overall People Care is part of permaculture the world over, both providing for basic needs like food, housing and transportation (and all the other care needed to help one stay up and running or well as can be.) Living With Other People Is Okay (Newsflash for some who never heard of such and idea and 10 million homes in the US are generally Empty.
Half of all homes are resided in by a single person...if I recall my stats from a few years back. Many people who are getting older may need help and don't have adult children or other relatives 'at the ready'...and so that's where the hands-on care is needed more than most understand to be the case. Without help, many who could stay in the community, will go to a nursing home or facility (which can be 5x the cost of being at home, especially if not much care is needed.)
There are many efforts to help more people 'age in place and with support' such as V2V, Village to Village. Also everyone can take time in regular ways over the year or so to make end of life plans (for When that time comes, whether through injury, illness or aging...) End of Life Doulas (EOLDs can be helpful in sorting out matters and helping people learn about completing an Advance Directive, with a health proxy or representative named and input about being an organ donor or put on life support or allow a more natural passing.
These are not everyday topics even though thousands of people face making decisions 'without much planning or time to give matters thought' Every Day. Let's keep the discussion going..and see www.doulagivers.org for some free online talks and networks of people helping in that field. I have trained with them and feel they are doing important work.
Perhaps that can be another field sponsored by the SNAP folks as the field becomes better recognized. Currently it is not licensed or regulated so anyone could be learning it and offering support since that has been clearly identified as a common need.
Post new comment