The U.S. home care industry is expected to grow from $100 billion in 2016 to $225 billion by 2024. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, home health and personal care aides are projected to see the most job growth out of any other occupation in the next decade.
But why is geriatric care in high demand?
In this blog, we discuss why the senior care industry is growing, what geriatric care services are, and how to get care for an older family member.
Why Is Geriatric Care In High Demand?
The primary reason why the senior care industry is growing is due to the fact that people are living longer. According to the United States Census Bureau, Americans’ life expectancy is projected to increase by about six years by 2060. In 2030, older Americans will make up 21% of the population, and by 2060, they will account for nearly 25%.
With age comes a natural decline in health, which is what will put greater demands on the senior care industry. AARP reports that the number of seniors requiring additional care due to chronic illness will increase to 21% of the senior population by 2050. Chronic diseases can limit a person’s ability to perform activities of daily living (ALDs), causing them to rely on institutional or in-home care.
The home care industry is growing because most seniors don’t want to move into assisted living. In-home care is the most desirable option. Nearly 9 in 10 older adults report that they want to age in place, meaning growing older in the comfort of their homes. In-home care enables seniors to be treated in their place of residence instead of in a hospital, for example, saving the aging population billions of dollars every year.
So, why is geriatric care in high demand? (1) People are living longer, (2) they are more prone to chronic diseases as they age, and (3) they want to age in place, all leading to an increased need for elder care services.
To learn about home care industry trends, read our blog: 4 Future Trends in Senior Care.
What Are Geriatric Care Services?
Geriatric care services are an essential resource for older adults and their families, as they can help seniors maintain their independence and improve their quality of life. There are numerous types of geriatric care services available. We’ve listed some of them below.
- Companionship care: Companionship care helps older adults attend social and recreational activities, as well as provides a kind presence to combat loneliness. This can help seniors maintain a sense of community and prevent social isolation.
- Personal care: Personal care services include helping seniors with ADLs, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, transferring, walking, etc. This kind of support enables seniors to remain in their homes rather than move to an institutional setting.
- Nursing care: More advanced elder care services include nursing care. Older adults with more advanced needs and chronic conditions may receive medical care from a registered nurse (RN) who closely monitors their health.
- Geriatric care management: Geriatric care managers identify the needs of older adults and find the best ways to care for them. Geriatric care management services range from assessing seniors’ well-being to coordinating their care.
Geriatric care services may be provided in various settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and at home. The type of care that’s best for an individual will depend on their specific needs and preferences. It’s important for older adults and their families to carefully consider their options and choose a care plan that meets their needs.
How to Get Elder Care Services for an Aging Loved One
To make informed decisions about your aging loved one’s care, get in touch with a geriatric care manager at Stowell Associates.
Our geriatric care managers are RNs and masters-level social workers who advise adult children on short- and long-term care options for aging parents. We treat your family like they’re ours. Every person has unique needs, and we take those into account when developing senior care plans.
Whether you’re a family caregiver or an adult child who needs help navigating the home care industry, we have a solution for you. Call 414-775-0417 to learn more about how we can help care for you and your family.
