Report predicts caretaker shortage for aging baby boomers in Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- A new report shows aging baby boomers will have longer, healthier lives, but a caretaker shortage could negatively impact their future.<br/><br/>Officials with the Oklahoma Department

Friday, March 10th 2006, 6:22 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- A new report shows aging baby boomers will have longer, healthier lives, but a caretaker shortage could negatively impact their future.

Officials with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services says many Oklahoma seniors already have no friends or relatives close by to help them when in need.

The report by the US Census Bureau described positive and negative factors facing Americans reaching senior status.

Oklahoma has a projected shortage of nurses, trained nursing home advocates known as "ombudsmen," occupational and physical therapists, and caretakers for senior citizens. Eleven Area Agencies on Aging are recruiting nursing home ombudsmen.

State officials say Oklahoma also could use more assisted-living centers and adult day-care services.