The oldest baby boomers will turn 65 less than two years from now, but they are not likely to follow previous generations of seniors into the “old folks’ home” anytime soon.
These days, the average age of a nursing home resident is 82 — and older Americans are insisting more and more that they receive the care they need at home as long as they can.
The number of seniors living in the United States is expected to double to an estimated 71.5 million by 2030. This creates a tremendous demand for home- and community-based services, which take different forms.
Engagement programs can create an organized system that lets neighbors help neighbors. Volunteer banks — where one person “banks” a certain number of volunteer hours helping others in exchange for receiving assistance from other volunteers later on — have been successful. This could be as simple as helping an older neighbor with shopping, yard work or minor home repairs.
For those needing a bit more help, home-based services provided by professionals include health care and help with daily activities such as medication management, medical equipment services or assisted living at home. These services aim to help people receive the help they need while remaining independent.
Other programs provide services at a central location, where seniors come while continuing to live at home. Services provided at these centers include meals, medical care,therapy, prescription drug fulfillment and referral to other social services. —