Why Home Health Care Is Growing Among Seniors

Home health care is becoming more popular and is growing rapidly. One major reason is that the population in the United States is getting older. In 2024, about 18% of people will be 65 years old or older.

As people age, they are more likely to have health issues or injuries that affect their physical or mental abilities. This creates a big need for home health care services to help manage their health and assist with daily activities like doing laundry or buying groceries.

Aging At Home

Many older adults now prefer to receive long-term care in their own homes rather than in nursing homes or other facilities. A recent report showed that nearly three-quarters of adults aged 50 and over want to stay in their own homes as they age. They value their independence, and new home medical and safety devices make it easier for them to live safely at home.

Nursing Home Scare

The recent pandemic had a severe impact on nursing homes. This can not be overstated!

These facilities often have many residents living close together, which made it easier for the virus to spread. In some places, nursing homes saw some of the highest death rates during the pandemic. Pathetic and was completely avoidable.

For example, a large number of COVID-19 deaths occurred in these settings because older adults are more vulnerable to the disease. This tragic situation has changed how people think about living in nursing homes.

Keep this in mind:

Many older adults and their families are still worried about the safety of these facilities. As a result, they are looking for safer alternatives, like home health care. With home health care, seniors can receive the help they need while staying in their own homes, which can reduce the risk of getting sick. This option offers peace of mind to families who want to protect their loved ones from potential health risks associated with communal living spaces.

HHA Telehealth

There has also been a huge increase in the use of telehealth services and digital health technologies. Telehealth use has stabilized at levels much higher than before the pandemic, making it easier for patients to get comprehensive health care from home. New technologies, such as devices for remote monitoring, medication management, and care coordination, make home health care more accessible and sustainable.

For example, wearable devices like smartwatches or medical alert bracelets can track vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. These devices can automatically send this information to doctors or nurses who keep an eye on the senior’s health. There are also remote monitoring systems that allow healthcare providers to track blood sugar levels for diabetic patients or monitor breathing patterns for those with respiratory issues.

Seniors can use smart pill dispensers that remind them when it’s time to take their medication and even dispense the correct dose. Some devices come with alarms or alerts that notify caregivers if a dose is missed. Additionally, motion sensors placed around the home can detect if a senior has fallen or is inactive for a long time, triggering an alert to family members or emergency services.

Video consultations through telehealth platforms enable seniors to have virtual appointments with their doctors without needing to travel. This is especially helpful for regular check-ups or managing chronic conditions. All these technologies help seniors receive the care they need while staying safe and comfortable in their own homes.