America is getting older. It’s an undeniable fact and it’s backed up by the numbers. Research from the NIA (National Institute on Aging) and the Census Bureau suggests that over the next two decades, nearly 10,000 people are going to be turning 65 each day. This is a huge inflation in the number of elderly people.
What does this mean for health care for the elderly? Quite simply, it could have a huge impact. Simple economics teaches that with the population expanding, the demand for elder care is going to increase just as much. This will apply for both in home treatment as well as assisted living centers. This means that preparation is needed to handle the aging populace. Without it, it’s possible America could reach a crisis in caring for the elderly. The good news is that there are plenty of different options which can be taken when looking into elder care.
At some time, we might need to make choices for ourselves or our family members. Quite simply, there can come a time when living in the house alone is not feasible and a lot more treatment is required. But is moving out feasible financially? What kind of care can be paid for?
There are a few options for seniors and their households to think about. The most common are home care, daily task assistance, and assisted living communities. Most people immediately think that the at home assistance is the best financially. These people can come to the home and assist with the health and the day to day tasks of those living there. Cooking can be a common assistance. Some simply provide social support and care. The costs for this type of service often escalates quickly. Most bill by the hour and are often not covered by healthcare. The extent of treatment can be a problem. In these cases, a long term care facility is actually a more economical option.
Long term care facilities offer a wide variety of options. Some offer a large degree of independence. Their facility is similar to a condo or apartment complex with residents simply notifying staff if they require assistance in some fashion. Others can be more similar to a long term ward for a hospital. These are for residents who are suffering from long term injury or illness more often than not. The best will include a nurse on staff at all times.
Some facilities are actually planned around specific conditions. The most common of which are those that feature memory assistance. Those people suffering from dementia and alzheimer’s can have a facility designed to assist and keep them from potentially getting lost during an episode.
Elders and their family often choose independent caregivers to try and save money. However, research can show that in home care is sometimes less cost effective and efficient. Try to look for care that uses registered medical professionals whenever possible for the best care. Most states require elder care to be licensed. This means that those giving the care have to pass appropriate licenses and tests. Other companies may not get licensed employees.
If an assisted living community is the right choice, then visit various communities to research them before choosing one. It’s good to ask questions that are relevant to the individual. Not every aspect of a long term care facility may be required. Sometimes opting out of some programs can bring prices down lower without compromising any treatment.
