Empowering Senior Care: Insights from Stacey Malcolmson’s Visit
Dallas may be a big city, but among those of us who work with seniors, it’s still a village. Our staff at Cambridge Caregivers constantly strives to nurture connections among other professionals in the senior living industry as well as the nonprofit space. That’s why we were thrilled to welcome Stacey Malcolmson, President and CEO of The Senior Source, for a recent visit at our Dallas office with our team of community liaisons.
Malcolmson shared many insights on aging, caregiving and senior advocacy in the North Texas area. We think they’re worth sharing. Some key takeaways:
The Hidden Epidemic of Isolation
Malcolmson emphasized a staggering finding: social isolation and loneliness are as harmful to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, according to the National Institutes of Health. Unfortunately, older adults and their family caregivers often feel isolated. For caregivers, feelings of isolation may be compounded by the physical, emotional and financial strain of constant caregiving. High levels of stress, depression and financial insecurity are common, especially among those who are unexpectedly thrust into caregiving roles. Many family caregivers end up compromising their own health to support loved ones.
Aging and Economic Challenges
In Dallas, seniors are facing growing financial pressure, Malcolmson reported. While poverty rates have declined among younger members of the population, they have increased by 17% for adults 65 and older. Many older adults are seeking part-time employment, but it’s often difficult to rejoin the workforce. Malcolmson urges employers to reimagine their approach and tap into the talents of older workers. Alarmingly, 63% of older adults report fearing outliving their money more than death itself.
Financial literacy is another concern. Many widowed individuals—especially those whose spouses managed finances—are vulnerable to scams.
Who The Senior Source Serves
To address some of these concerns, The Senior Source provides services to a wide spectrum of older adults, from the financially secure to the financially vulnerable, as well as those who are victimized by scams and those who have no family to advocate for them. Their programs serve:
- 2,600 family caregivers
- 1,400 vulnerable older adults in some 250 nursing homes and assisted living facilities; many of these clients would otherwise never receive visitors.
Empowering Through Education and Support
To prevent exploitation and enhance quality of life, The Senior Source offers free technology classes covering computer use and mobile apps—aimed at combating isolation and arming seniors against scams. They also host caregiver support groups in English, Spanish, and for LGBT caregivers, as well as a Facebook group called Caregiver Connections. These support services work: More than 80% of family caregivers report feeling less stress after engaging with The Senior Source.
Championing the Rights of Seniors
Through the federally funded Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program—established under the Older Americans Act—The Senior Source helps protect the health, rights and safety of older adults living in residential care facilities. Ombudsmen educate, investigate and advocate for seniors, ensuring their voices are heard and respected.
A Community Powered by Volunteers
Programs like Foster Grandparents and Senior Companions exemplify the power of volunteerism. Foster Grandparents are paired with children who have special needs; many Foster Grandparents serve for 7–8 years. Senior Companions provide respite for family caregivers, offering about 20 hours of weekly caregiving services.
Creating a Culture of Care
At Cambridge Caregivers, we’re appreciate the work of community leaders like Stacey Malcolmson. With compassion, education and community support, together we can help older adults live with dignity and purpose.
