It is expected that by 2050, the
senior population will reach 88.5 million. That figure will represent 20 percent of the population in the United States. With longer life expectancies, the need for affordable home-based care will skyrocket.
Home Care is Preferable
Most seniors would prefer to remain in their homes for as long as possible instead of having to move to nursing facilities. Nursing homes and assisted living facilities require residents to adapt to schedules and reduce their privacy and independence. Despite the higher cost of living in a care facility, residents have limited contact with nurse caregivers. Home health and nonmedical home care is generally less expensive, when comparing the same services that would be received in a facility.
New Technologies Can Keep Seniors at Home Longer
Today’s seniors are more adaptable to new tools, including using the Internet and smart technology. Technology will play a big part in keeping seniors at home longer.
- Telehealth could improve the quality of life for patients who are shuttled back and forth to doctor appointments by allowing them to receive a larger share of care at home.
- Mobile health apps (mHealth) allow patients to take an active role in monitoring their health with their smartphone or tablet.
For direct care administrators, keeping up with growing demand while staying in compliance with health care regulations will be the biggest challenge in the coming years. Businesses need to scale in order to process payroll, billing, and authorizations. The industry can take a cue from the people we serve by adopting innovative technological solutions.