Eldercare, Senior Care, and Aged Care
At a foundational level, the non-medical act of assisting older people is generally referred to as eldercare or senior care. These terms are used interchangeably and encompass a wide variety of support services designed to help older adults live comfortably and as independently as possible. This includes assistance with daily activities, companionship, meal preparation, and transportation. In some English-speaking regions, the term aged care is also used.
The Caregiver's Role
Whether called eldercare or senior care, the person providing the assistance is known as a caregiver. A caregiver's responsibilities can vary greatly, depending on the recipient's needs.
- Family Caregivers: Unpaid family members, such as adult children, who help with a range of duties.
- Professional Caregivers: Trained individuals who are hired to provide care, either in the senior's home or at a residential facility.
Geriatrics: The Medical Specialty
When the care involves specialized medical treatment, the term geriatrics, or geriatric medicine, is used. This is a distinct medical specialty focused on the unique health needs of older adults.
A geriatrician is a physician who has specialized training in caring for older people, often those over the age of 65 who are dealing with multiple chronic conditions or frailty. They have an expanded expertise in the aging process and its impact on illness patterns, medication management, and health maintenance.
What Geriatrics Encompasses
Geriatric care is highly interdisciplinary, meaning a geriatrician often works with a team of professionals to provide comprehensive care. This team can include:
- Geriatric nurses
- Consultant pharmacists
- Physical and occupational therapists
- Social workers
- Dietitians
This holistic approach addresses not only the physical but also the psychological and social well-being of the older adult.
Gerontology: The Broader Study of Aging
For those wondering about the academic or scientific field, the term gerontology is the correct one. Gerontology is the multidisciplinary study of the biological, psychological, and sociological aspects of human development and the intricate process of aging across the lifespan.
A gerontologist is a professional who studies aging-related issues but is not necessarily a medical doctor. They may work in a wide variety of fields, including:
- Research
- Policy advocacy
- Social services
- Housing and urban planning
While geriatrics is a branch of gerontology, the two terms are not interchangeable. Geriatrics is a medical practice, while gerontology is a field of study.
A Comparison of Elder Care Roles
To better illustrate the differences, this table compares three key figures in senior care.
| Feature | Family Caregiver | Professional Caregiver | Geriatrician |
|---|---|---|---|
| Payment | Unpaid; often a family member or friend. | Paid; employed by an agency or family. | Paid; medical doctor with specialty training. |
| Scope | Broad, informal support; depends on family relationship. | Formal, skilled assistance with daily living activities. | Comprehensive medical care for older adults. |
| Training | Often no formal training; learn as they go. | Certifications in home health aide, CNA, etc.. | Medical school, residency, and geriatric fellowship. |
| Focus | Emotional support, daily tasks, companionship, managing the home. | Personal hygiene, mobility, medication reminders, light housekeeping. | Diagnosing/treating age-related illnesses, medication management, managing multiple conditions. |
The Spectrum of Senior Care Services
Beyond just the umbrella terms, taking care of the elderly can refer to many specific types of services. The appropriate choice depends entirely on the individual's needs, health status, and living situation.
In-Home Care
This allows seniors to remain in their own homes while receiving assistance.
- Companion Care: Offers social interaction and emotional support.
- Personal Care: Assists with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and meal prep.
- Home Health Care: Includes skilled medical services administered in the home by a licensed professional.
Community and Residential Care
For those who need more support than can be provided at home.
- Assisted Living Facilities: Provide a semi-independent living environment with staff assistance for daily activities.
- Skilled Nursing Facilities (Nursing Homes): Offer 24/7 medical supervision for those with complex health needs.
- Memory Care Facilities: Designed for individuals with dementia or other memory-related conditions.
- Adult Day Care: Provides a structured environment for older adults during the daytime, offering social and recreational activities.
Other Specialized Care
- Respite Care: Short-term care designed to give primary caregivers a break.
- Hospice Care: End-of-life care focused on comfort and quality of life.
For families needing help navigating the complex world of senior care, an expert like a geriatric care manager can be a valuable resource. These professionals are typically licensed nurses or social workers who help create and manage comprehensive care plans. More information on government programs and services for older adults is available from the National Institute on Aging: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/caregiving.
Conclusion
Ultimately, there is no single right answer to the question "What is taking care of the elderly called?". The terminology reflects the specific context, from the broad, general terms of eldercare and senior care to the specialized medical field of geriatrics and the academic study of gerontology. Knowing the difference empowers families and caregivers to seek the right type of support, find the appropriate professionals, and ensure their loved one receives the best possible care for their needs.
