Aging in place. People are beginning to understand the importance of helping the elderly stay in their own homes. According to a recent article in Homecare magazine, most seniors age 65+ would prefer to remain in their homes as long as possible, with an estimated 80–90 percent wishing to do so. Fernand Sarrat, owner of Home Helpers & Direct Link, senior citizens not only prefer a more comfortable, familiar environment, but also want to retain as much independence as they can.
Affordability. Many people are realizing that home care much more affordable and provides people with the assistance they need, it is especially true when compared with such things as assisted living facilities and nursing homes.
Technology Helps. Many of today’s technological advancements are making home healthcare possible and allow aging loved ones to remain in the comfort of their own homes, while maintaining a of level independence. Technology has transformed care from reactive, such as buttons to press in an emergency to pro-active where it is now possible for consumers to use sensors that provide advanced notifications. Portable devices are being used to access their medical information, monitor their vital signs and medications, and even take tests at home and carry out a wide range of tasks for the most common medical conditions requiring home care which are pulmonary disease, heart disease, diabetes, and cerebral vascular diseases.
A good example of a product that will enable medical independence through technology is MIJA’s Critical Alert oxygen tank monitoring that delivers low pressure visual and audible alarms, indicating when an oxygen users tank needs attention, significantly decreasing the risk that the tank will run out. Oxygen alarms allow patients and caregivers the freedom to enjoy their normal activities without constant stress of the tank status hanging over their head.
Nursing Homes Decline. As the growth of senior population continues to rise, one would assume that nursing homes would continue to increase as well, but the opposite is true. The number of skilled nursing facilities have flatlined over the past 10-15 years and are expected to shrink by 20% over the next 3 years. Meaning that seniors and their families will be forced to seek alternative methods of care.
Source: MatrixCare.com and www.homecaremag.com