Changing_Demographics

Changing Demographic Angelia McCarty HCS 490 August 1, 2011 Jennifer Johnson Changing Demographic The population in the Unites states is becoming older. The Baby Boomers are retiring or going to retire in the near future. This also changes the health care needs of this population. The older population will have an effect on the cost of health care. There will need to be more facilities that can care for their needs. Assisted living communities are becoming very popular because the maintenance and upkeep of their houses are provided by the organization leaving the elderly time to enjoy their lives without worry. Assisted Living Communities Generally assisted living provides the consumer with three meals a day served in a dining room for all the population. Laundry service and housekeeping are also provided for the residents. According to the eHow website, “Over 1 million Americans live in assisted living residences” (Moore, 2011, p. 1). Combined facilities offer independent living, assisted living, and nursing home options. These facilities offer services for the residents such as help with bathing, walking, and dressing. They also offer recreational activities and exercise programs for the residents. Community rooms offer companionship where the residents can play board games or watch movies together. This type of service helps with loneliness. Many older people become lonely when they are no longer able to take part in the social activities once enjoyed. Depression becomes common when loneliness is a factor. Many offer short-term assistance for those who have had surgery and need help with recovery. This type of facility is expensive and Medicare does not cover this type of care. Insurance companies offer long-term care that helps with the cost if the person has this insurance. Otherwise the families of the person usually help with expenses. These facilities are normally located near nursing homes so if the person’s health declines the move is easier for him or her. The Cost of Assisted Living The cost for assisted living is not covered by Medicare so it is important for the person and families to research the cost to make sure the person can afford it. Giving up one’s home is difficult enough without the person also becoming unable to afford the necessities he or she are accustomed to having. “Assisted living facilities are owned and operated by both for-profit and non-profit organizations and can range in cost from approximately $800 to $4,000 a month or more, depending on where you live” (Helpguide.org, 2011, p. 1). Many factors also have to be considered when choosing an assisted living facility. Does the facility feel comfortable and like a home to the person who will be living there' Is the food good' If the person does not like the food served he or she, of course will not eat it and that would make his or her health decline. If the person receives Medicaid this may provide some help with the cost. Long-term insurance will help with the cost, but one must check his or her coverage to discover how much the insurance will pay. “Additionally, there are some board and care homes that will accept Supplemental Security income as payment” (Helpguide.org, 2011, p. 1). Not many assisted living facilities that will accept SSI because of the lower payments. Home Health Care Sometimes it is possible for an elderly person to stay in his or her home with the aid of home health care providers. The person must have his or her physician write a plan of care for the organization for Medicare to cover this charge. Home health care can be obtained without Medicare paying, but the individual must pay, and this also can be expensive. This type of care is usually charged by the hour and must be performed by a licensed nurse, either an Registered Nurse, or Licensed Practical Nurse. If the individual qualifies for home health care he or she may also qualify for an Aide to come to the home also. The aid works under the supervision of a licensed nurse and must log what is done. The aid can perform housekeeping and routine personal care to the patient. The aid will do laundry, house work, plan, and prepare meals, and shop for groceries. Medicare will only pay for this service if the patient requires skilled nursing care, and the individual is home bound. Some long-term care insurance will cover home health, but the amount the insurance will pay may vary. Informal caregivers also play an important role in the elderly being able to stay in their homes. Family and friends often give care to the elderly when needed. Family can bring in food from their homes for the person to have and bring in groceries when needed. Many times it is a family member who helps in the homes of the elderly. This fact will lower the cost of long-term care, but it also may have adverse effects on the caregiver. Time factors and emotional stress for the caregiver may prove to be overwhelming. This could raise the health care cost of the caregiver making more office appointments with his or her own physician. In conclusion many factors must be considered when deciding if an elderly person can stay in his or her own home or if moving into one of many assisted living facilities would be the best choice. Assisted living facilities range from personal homes with caregivers on call 24 hours a day to nursing homes. The choices are many and research must be done to ensure the patient has sufficient funds available to cover the cost. The cost may range from $800 to $4000 a month and most of this cost will have to be paid by the patient. Assisted living facilities offer many services for the residents including meals, laundry service, housekeeping, and exercise programs to maintain health. Medicare will pay for certain home health care when a person is homebound and the doctor makes a plan of action available. Home health care is usually charged by the hour and can be expensive for the resident. Sometimes certified nurse’s aides will also be covered by Medicare when a person is required to have home health care by a licensed nurse and is also homebound. The aide can do things the nurse cannot like grocery shopping, cooking, and housecleaning. Long-term care insurance also covers the cost of long-term care in the home. The amount insurance will pay varies so this must also be researched before the final decision is made. References Condelius, A., Edberg, A., Hallberg, I., & Jakobsson, U. (2010). Utilization of medical health care among people receiving long-term care at home or in special accommodation. Retrieved from http://web.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.apollolibrary.com/ehost/detail'vid=3&hid=105&sid=8958b50d-029c-400e-85ff-5fcf81f11e3a%40sessionmgr104&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=rzh&AN=2010657179 Helpguide.org. (2011). Assisted Living Facilities. Retrieved from http://www.helpguide.org/elder/assisted_living_facilities.htm Moore, S. (2011). What is Assisted Living' Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/facts_4884920_what-assisted-living.html#ixzz1TnIhTXAz