New Trends in Long-Term Care: Home Care vs. Nursing Homes

Assisted living facilities are often thought of as the place where people go when they can no longer live independently. While this is largely true, a recent series on National Public Radio brought attention to the fact that assisted living residents can be a much more diverse population than previously thought. Instead of the stereotype of frail, elderly residents, many people are simply "short timers" in need of a little extra assistance before they can return home. 

While it's true that many people come to nursing homes when they are unable to take care of themselves due to age-related issues, there are many other people who are only meant to be temporary residents. Among this group are people needing physical therapy and those recovering from major surgeries. As this series shows, nursing homes are not always a final desination. Many people only need temporary 'round-the-clock assistance, and are fine with returning to independent or semi-independent living once their immediate needs are met.  In addition, residents have a right to live at home and to have a say in where and how they will receive care.

This shows, more than ever, the need for skilled Home Health Aides who can provide the necessary part-time home care. More and more studies are showing that it is not only more comfortable for individuals to remain in their homes, but that it is much more cost effective. As the article notes, "One study by the AARP Public Policy Institute found that nearly three people can get care at home for the same cost of one in a nursing home." Three times the care for the same cost! Because long-term health care is often funded through government programs, keeping costs down is in everyone's best interests.

In addition, a growing number of skilled nursing facility residents are petitioning for the right to return to home or apartment living. There are many sides to this issue, but it's of great importance to anyone working in the healthcare field. To learn more about the issues facing residents and those who care for them, you can find the entire NPR series here: http://www.npr.org/series/131105200/home-or-nursing-home