Customer Service for the Elderly

As a caregiver one area that I am hyper sensitive about is customer service for the elderly. Here is an example I have run into while caring for my mother. We were at a restaurant and the hostess took off like she was at the races leaving my mother and me behind. I spoke up and asked her “where are you taking us?” and then asked for a location closer to the front. Next came the glass of water, which was HUGE and loaded with ice she had to lift it with both of her hands just to get a sip! I asked if they could bring her water in a “to-go cup” which was much lighter. Let’s take into consideration that the elderly population is only going to increase as the boomer generation begins to age.
I am guilty of speaking quickly my mom’s favorite saying is “you’re talking faster than I can listen!” Have you ever been on a call with someone and they spoke so quickly you were not able to keep up with what they were saying? Isn’t extremely aggravating? Why are we in such a hurry? Let’s take a moment and breathe. Let’s embrace where we are in this moment.
The nation’s 65-and-older population is projected to reach 83.7 million in the year 2050, almost double in size from the 2012 level of 43.1 million, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. A large part of this growth is due to the aging of baby boomers (individuals born in the United States between mid-1946 and mid-1964), who began turning 65 in 2011 and are now driving growth at the older ages of the population.
We have to keep in mind that the boomer generation is aging and situations like this will become more common who is going to speak up for this generation? What about those elderly who do not have someone to speak up for them?
As a society we need to remember that there are several generations we need to cater to. We are aging at a rapid rate in the U.S so let’s take a moment to honor our elders instead of just brushing them aside.
Take a moment today and look at your customer service. Who do you cater to and are you able to adapt to different generations?
Judy Micale MS, ICPS, ICADC, Author, Coach, Speaker
My book “31 Daily Inspirations for Caregivers: One Day, One Breath, One Step at a Time” is on Amazon.
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