LocumLife - July 2008 - (Page 13)

Caring for the older generation Providing services to the elderly opens up a variety of opportunities for locum tenens professionals Anne Baye Ericksen THE TOLL OF AGING According to the U. S. Census Bureau, individuals aged 85 and older make up the country’s fastest-growing population segment. This trend is only expected to gain momentum as the Baby Boomers join the category over the next 20 years. In fact, the organization estimates that, by 2030, 72 million people—or one out of five—will be 65 or older. And while research shows today’s older Americans are in better health than previous generations, the elderly still employ more healthcare services than any other age group. This combination of factors has officials worried about the future strain on the healthcare system. Melissa Byington, vice president of the Locum Tenens Division of CompHealth, located in Salt Lake City, Utah, agrees, noting,“Part of the reason they require additional care is that older people often simultaneously suffer from multiple health conditions.” Approximately three-fourths of people aged 60 and older are overweight or obese, which can lead to other serious illnesses, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers. Members of this age group also are more likely to become physically disabled, due to arthritis or falls. “Although the requests for providers with additional fellowship training is not increasing dramatically,” notes Ms. Byington, “clients utilizing locum tenens practitioners in most specialties expect that the knowledge and JULY 2008 O ur parents and grandparents have lived through wars, witnessed man landing on the moon, and contributed to a variety of historical cultural shifts. Now, as they live out their golden years, it is their time to pursue personal interests and enjoy the more leisurely aspects of life. However, it is also a time when health concerns come more into focus. With the exception of obstetrics and pediatrics, most practitioners find themselves providing care to the elderly in their daily practices. And generally speaking, older patients present some unique and interesting challenges, such as multiple physical maladies as well as mental health concerns. At the same time, seniors tend to show more appreciation toward caregivers, especially when quality of life trumps exhausting all possible measures. So how does this patient population affect you as a locum tenens physician or nonphysician provider? Well, the answer varies from person to person, but for some mobile professionals, treating the elderly is a welcomed opportunity to slow their pace and step into an interdisciplinary treatment team. Read on to see how two physicians have embraced the geriatric population, as well as what one company executive views as hotbutton issues that will influence the future of locum tenens. LocumLife 13

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LocumLife - July 2008 Editorial From Nalto Stat! Survey Says Last-Minute Luxury Dynamics Caring For the Older Generation Enjoying the Rewards of a Locum Tenens Lifestyle Advertisers' Index Opportunities Direct Going Mobile Contest Rules Anyone's Guess La Vita Locum

LocumLife - July 2008

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