{"id":3657,"date":"2017-10-10T09:00:09","date_gmt":"2017-10-10T16:00:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newsincerity.us\/?p=3657"},"modified":"2023-05-20T05:35:02","modified_gmt":"2023-05-20T05:35:02","slug":"senior-home-new-york-teens-caregivers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kilde.org\/new-sincerity\/senior-home-new-york-teens-caregivers\/","title":{"rendered":"NY Employing Teens to Fill Dearth of Caregivers for Aging Baby Boomers"},"content":{"rendered":"

The ‘silver tsunami’ \u2013 millions of Baby Boomers who, thanks to science, are living longer \u2013 means the elderly population will have doubled by 2050. Caregivers are already scarce and many elderly folks report increased loneliness and isolation. So who is going to care for them?<\/p>\n

The Geriatric Career Development (GCD) Program<\/a> in New York City tackles this issue along with another big one by offering at-risk urban youth the opportunity to advance into a middle-class career in caregiving.<\/p>\n

Local high schoolers can apply to work at the home, gaining training and mentorship to pursue a longterm career in the field.<\/p>\n

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\"Kayla
Joanne Langer, 91, and Kayla Rivas, 17. Photo by Tina Kelley.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Stanford recently released a report<\/a> highlighting the benefits of ‘intergenerational engagement’, arguing that each generation has something to learn from the other. One student, 17-year-old Kayla Rivas, paired up with 91-year-old Joanne Langer because they both shared a passion for music and singing.<\/p>\n

\u201cI like to keep to myself, so I\u2019d stay home and get a job,\u201d Celestine, one of the students working through the GCD program told Nationswell.<\/p>\n

\u201cI learned that there\u2019s always an open door, no matter where you go. When I see kids on the street, I feel like saying, \u2018If you all just knew what GCD could do for you, even if you\u2019ve not finished high school. This is like a change.'”<\/p>\n

The statistics are encouraging \u2013 about 80% of students who work through this program go on to become CNAs (Certified Nursing Assistants) through a local college. The nursing home also offers opportunities for young adults without a high school diploma.<\/p>\n

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The grande finale of our Roseland Senior Prom for some #mondaymotivation<\/a><\/p>\n

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