Why Doula Givers are the answer, with the looming elder care crisis, many of us are aging, the demand for health care professionals is increasing. Doula Givers can respond to this crisis
All of the currently living people on earth will be requiring care to some degree as they age and all of them will be experiencing their end of life some day in the future (and many of them won’t have children to provide this care). I am talking about the Baby Boomers.
- There are currently 76.4 million Baby Boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964) living in the United States.
Here’s a few statistics you may not know about or would rather not talk or hear about..
- By 2030, every single one of those people will be 65 years of age or older (the standard threshold for being considered a senior citizen).
- This means that seven years (7) from now, approximately 23% of the entire U.S. population will be officially retirement age.
- In 2034, adults aged 65 and older will outnumber children aged 18 and younger for the first time in history – and it’s not just a problem in America. This trend is occurring in practically every developed nation on earth.
- This trend is expected to continue until at least the year 2060, when those 65 and up are expected to outnumber children 94.7 million to 80.1 million according to the U.S. Census Bureau. (this is because the population is dropping)
Why is this a staggering stat? We are living longer, more caregivers are in demand, however there is a shortage of them and most of the caregivers themselves are in the older age category.
Doula Givers are an intricate and integral part of reshaping end of life care for the future and together with hospice, can make a good death at home a reality for everyone. As a non-medical practitioner, we will be instrumental additions to the existing end of life care model in order to meet the rapidly increasing level of demand that will be experienced over the next three and a half decades. 30.5 years
We need more certified Doulagivers to meet this need as we reimagine a new framework to support our aging population in their final stage of life. We should all know how to take care of each other..
Doula Givers are going to play an immensely important role in maintaining compassionate end of life care for all into the future.
Even if you don’t feel called to become a Doula Giver now, it’s important when and if you get called to help, you won’t be frozen, you’ll know what to do. You won’t be like the woman who killed her husband in the hospital, out of compassion they agreed together. The law doesn’t look at this, if only she or they knew about Doula Givers.
Suzanne O’Brien is teaching the first level free every month.. register now for the next one I encourage that you at least get educated about how to get started.
Who is going to look after you, when you get to the end? It’s not likely the ones you want there. It’s the Why Doula Givers are the Answer, will be your solution or someone you know.
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Until next time,
Mari-Lyn
