he says the counter argument to the growing numbers of seniors who need care is burdening families, expecting them to step up to fill in the gaps. spouses, siblings and adult children “will have to put more effort into being unpaid caregivers.” however, sinha’s research has found that between now and 2050, we’re going to see 30 per cent fewer family caregivers available compared to what we have now.
“and that’s just on the basis that we as a society are increasingly having smaller families and people are more likely to be living at greater distances from each other. so we know that there’s a greater number of people who are going to be aging on their own.”
the reality is bleak when you don’t have a family member or friend close at hand who can help with basic tasks like getting a prescription filled, he continues, noting the increasing risk of isolation and its associated health problems.
sinha’s team has reviewed the literature on aging in place and decided to coin the phrase more appropriately as “aging in the right place” which thirgood refers to as a preference of experts in the geriatrics space.
the re-engineering of health services needs to shift to support people to age in their own homes for as long as possible. there’s a long list of needs to facilitate that mission: initiatives to promote 2022年世界杯名单猜测 and prevent the development of chronic diseases, along with support for chronic diseases. these efforts have to be supported by adequate home and community care, appropriate supports for caregivers, accessible and affordable housing and transportation services in age-friendly communities, and having a framework that focuses on combating social isolation. investing in home care programs can stretch dollars so much further than nursing home care and hospital beds occupied by people who are waiting for a spot to become available in a nursing home.
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