A Nursing Home is NOT the Appropriate Place for elderly people rather, HOME is.
A Nursing Home is NOT the Appropriate Place for elderly people rather, HOME is.
Aging at home offers numerous benefits for older adults, including maintaining independence in comfortable, familiar surroundings, being close to family and friends, and accessing community services like libraries, shopping malls, parks, and recreational programs. This approach helps older adults stay engaged and physically active, which can positively impact health outcomes. Overall, aging at home provides a supportive environment for older adults to maintain their independence and overall well-being.
A BMC Public Health article highlights that social engagement can help alleviate loneliness in older adults, with approximately 50% at risk of social isolation and one-third experiencing some degree of loneliness later in life. To fully age in place, home-based services promoting a high quality of life are necessary.
Solutions to address aging at home
• Non-emergency medical transportation
Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) is a service provided to older adults who cannot drive, offering door-to-door services for medical appointments. This service is essential for occasional visits to physician’s offices, pharmacies, or clinics, or for repeat visits for cancer or dialysis treatments. Payers may contract with a transportation company to assist these elderly individuals in obtaining necessary services.
• Personal care
Personal care is crucial for older adults aging in place, requiring flexible services tailored to individual needs. These services can range from daily living support to managing chronic conditions. Providers may need occasional visits or full-time care, either short-term or long-term. It’s crucial to ensure these services meet member needs and adapt over time, ensuring they meet member needs and remain relevant.
• Technology
Remote patient monitoring devices are becoming increasingly popular to supplement in-home visits and help manage acute and chronic conditions. These devices enable real-time or near-real-time monitoring of vital signs, medication management, and the risk of missed or double doses. Automated medication dispensers provide audio and visual reminders, simplifying medication management and reducing missed doses. These devices can also offer 24/7 live monitoring for clinical support teams. In-home medical alert systems allow older adults to call family members, friends, or emergency response services for assistance. Family members can set up alarm systems to monitor temperature, lighting, and caregivers’ arrival and departure. These devices can help reduce missed or double doses and improve patient care.
• Nutrition
Nutrition is a crucial factor in meal delivery services for older adults who struggle with meal planning and preparation. These services should offer customizable options, catering to individual preferences, allergies, dietary restrictions, and medical or religious needs. Ease of ordering and front-door delivery are essential for timely delivery.
Conclusion:
As healthcare systems constantly changes, the focus needs to be more aligned with what can be done at home to keep the older population safe and healthy. A focus on the home encourages preventive health interventions in a desirable, comfortable environment and alleviates our already delicate healthcare system. After all, there will be 77 million people age 65 and older in the U.S. by 2034, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, and we must equip them with services that allows them to thrive.
