Elderly care

Elderly Care: A Global Perspective

Imagine a world where the needs of our aging population are met with care and compassion. Elderly care serves old adults’ needs, focusing on social and personal requirements. It encompasses assisted living, adult daycare, long-term care, nursing homes, hospice care, and home care. But how does this complex system vary across different regions?

Traditional vs Modern Care

In the past, family members provided care within the extended family home. However, with shrinking families, longer life expectancy, and geographical dispersion, state or charitable institutions are increasingly involved in elderly care. This shift raises questions: Who should primarily take care of our elders? Family members or professional caregivers?

Gender Disparities Among Caregivers

The answer often lies with women, who disproportionately represent family caregivers. They may spend as much as 50% more time providing care than male caregivers. This imbalance can lead to higher rates of caregiver burnout and neglect among elderly individuals without external support.

Challenges in Hospitals

In hospitals, elderly patients often face ageism, with symptoms of delirium being mistaken for normal behavior. This can lead to decreased cognitive ability and PTSD. It’s a stark reminder that our healthcare systems must adapt to the unique needs of older adults.

Country-Specific Care Models

Let’s take a closer look at how elderly care is structured in different parts of the world:

• Australia: The system is designed to make every Australian contribute towards their care cost, with residents paying what they can afford and the Commonwealth government covering the rest. However, it faces weaknesses, including skilled workforce shortages and rationing of available care places.
• Canada: Private for-profit and not-for-profit facilities coexist, but some provinces operate or subsidize public facilities. In Ontario, there are waiting lists for long-term care homes, leading families to opt for home healthcare or private retirement homes.
• United Kingdom: Care is increasingly rationed due to rising costs. Minimal savings or assets result in care provided in the patient’s own home or a residential care home. A growing number of retirement communities offer Extra Care housing provision as an alternative to care homes, suitable for those with simple care needs.
• United States: Assisted living facilities serve over 1 million senior citizens and account for a significant portion of medical spending. Medicare does not pay for assisted living unless skilled-nursing care is provided through certified facilities or agencies. Most older adults prefer to live in their homes (aging in place), but often require assistance with daily tasks, making options like assisted living or home care services necessary.
• China: The country faces a long-term care challenge due to population ageing, limited institutional and community-based services, and training staff shortages. In India, the cultural view of elderly care emphasizes honor and respect, with parents typically caring for their children in old age, particularly sons. In Nepal, most elderly citizens live with their children, with a significant lack of government-sponsored programs.
• Thailand: The government lets families care for their elderly members rather than creating extraneous policies. As of 2011, there were only 25 state-sponsored homes for the elderly in Thailand, with limited services and no guarantee of availability.

Elderly Care: A Balancing Act

Providing care to the elderly is a balancing act. It focuses on satisfying two types of customers: residents and purchasing customers. This can lead to confusion about the standard of care and a risk of elder abuse.

Promoting Independence in Self-Care

Promoting independence in self-care can help older adults maintain their capabilities longer. Studies have shown that giving nursing home residents more responsibility for daily activities and choices can improve outcomes. When responsibility for a task is given to individuals, they become more active and happy, report increased alertness, and show improved health and mood.

Elderly-Friendly Interior Design

Elderly-friendly interior design plays a vital role in promoting independence among the elderly. The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) provides remote monitoring systems that can enhance safety and comfort. For example, a well-designed staircase with a stairlift can improve accessibility and confidence for older adults.

Addressing Mobility Concerns

Impaired mobility is a major health concern for older adults, affecting 50% of people over 85. Therapy designed to improve mobility focuses on diagnosing and treating specific impairments, such as reduced strength or poor balance.

Assistive Technology

Assistive technology and advancements in healthcare are giving elders greater freedom and mobility. Family members are often the most important caregivers to the elderly, providing a home, financial support, and social interaction.

The Future of Elderly Care

As our population ages, the demand for elderly care facilities is expected to increase. The US population is projected to have more older adults by 2030, with more demand for elderly care facilities. Medicare program is expected to die prematurely due to prescription medication costs, requiring $17.7 billion annually in avoidable medical costs.

Conclusion

Elderly care is a multifaceted challenge that requires a global approach. From family-based care to state-sponsored institutions, the landscape of elderly care is constantly evolving. By understanding and addressing these challenges, we can ensure that our aging population receives the care they deserve.