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Care of the Elderly in the Community

Saturday, September 12, 2009
Related Tags: adults | care | term | community | services
 

Instructions

History

  • Step 1:
    As more and more elderly adults live longer, there is an accentuated need for elder care. For centuries elderly adults have needed and received long-term care from family and friends. The mid-1900s saw an increase in nursing homes and other institutionalized care. However, recent shifts in long-term care indicate that while nursing homes are still used, community and home-based long-term care seems to be taking prominence in long-term elder care.

The Need to Be Home

  • Step 1:
    In studies conducted by AARP elderly adults indicate that they would rather stay in their own homes to receive long-term care. Greater resources in the community have made it possible for many elderly adults who would typically need nursing home services to stay in the comfort of their own home for long-term care. Elderly adults need care in varying degrees. Typically elderly adults receive help from family and friends. However, as their health declines older adults rely on skilled nursing services and other long-term care options.

Community Services for Long-Term Care

  • Step 1:
    Elderly adults receiving long-term care in their community are sure to use a variety of services. Most often elderly adults receive some kind of skilled nursing or home health services. These services help elderly adults with their medical needs as well as help with bathing and hygiene. Many older adults also receive some sort of cleaning and/or meal service. Other services that are offered in the community include services such as assisted living, hospice, adult day services, physical therapy and senior centers.

Advantages of Community-Based Long-Term Care

  • Step 1:
    Elderly adults who use community and home-based services for their long-term care will experience several advantages to using this type of care over nursing home care. Most notably community-based long-term care allows elderly adults to stay in their homes for care. Community services also give many elderly adults the opportunity to attend social events with other older adults. In many cases, elderly adults receiving home and community-based long-term care continue to stay active in their communities.

Conclusion

  • Step 1:
    Older adults in need of long-term care services are frequently turning to home and community-based care for their needs. This shift from nursing home care to home-based care allows many elderly adults to continue living in their own homes. The many services offered to elderly adults in the community help them with their needs needs as they age.

Photo/Video Credit

Hector Landaeta: http://www.sxc.hu

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