It’s not easy searching for in home nursing care for someone you care about. The United States’ population is rapidly aging and, as such, this process is becoming increasingly common for families across the country. Caregivers for seniors are highly skilled individuals who are able to cover all the basics necessary to encourage a healthy and happy day-to-day life, from addressing Alzheimer’s unique side-effects to promoting wellness through physical and mental activities. Not everyone is exactly sure how in-home nursing care works, though, and there is a lot of false information circling about the nature of elderly assistance. Keep reading below to learn about elderly home assistance and how help at home services can help your loved ones.
America’s Elderly Population
Changing demographics mean more and more elderly Americans are going to need in home nursing care services. An estimated 12 million Americans needed long-term care back in 2007 and another 65 million informal and family caregivers are currently providing care to someone struggling with chronic illness, disability and old age. Ongoing studies started in 2010 found there are at least 40 million people aged 65 and above, totaling up to 13% of the population, and will increase significantly over the coming decades — by 2050 the population of people over the age of 65 is projected to be nearly 21%.
Common Illnesses
Home assistance is often the result people turn to in order to give their loved ones the support they need to stay healthy. In home nursing care is characterized by top-of-the-line resources and experienced staff members well-versed in the art of supporting the illness and disability that comes with age — these include chronic disabilities, back pain, shoulder pain, mental illness and dementia.
Dementia
The most common ailment that the elderly population faces is Alzheimer’s and dementia. Alzheimer’s has been found to be the sixth leading cause of death in the United States and one in three seniors will pass away with some form of dementia as the source. According to a survey conducted by Age Wave, the majority of people vastly underestimate the likelihood they will require the unique services of long-term care — while 37% of people over the age of 50 believe they might need future long-term care, the reality is that 70% of people will need assistance.
Benefits Of In Home Nursing Care
In home nursing care is similar to nursing homes, but with a more personal element that some families prefer to the contrary. February of 2015 saw the vast majority of elderly people, at 80%, receiving assistance — these include elderly persons with functional limitations and living in private homes instead of institutions or nursing homes. The year 2010 saw those over the age of 65 spending around $18,400 per person on personal health care in the home. Senior citizen home care offers a degree of flexibility and independence that some may prefer over more conventional long-term care methods.
Getting Started
If someone you care for is starting to show difficulties achieving independence in their day-to-day life, in home nursing care might be an option that can benefit them. A recent survey found over 81% of retirees citing good health as the most important ingredient for a satisfying and fulfilling retirement. The happiest retirees were also found to engage in three to four activities on a regular basis, while the least happy only participated in one or two. Every year over eight million people receive support from five main long-term care services — home health agencies, nursing homes, hospices, residential care communities and adult service centers. With a little research and time you will find the long-term care method that will suit your family best.