You might think that economic data doesn’t have much of an influence on senior care and caregiving, but that’s not entirely accurate. When it comes to professional level senior care, broad economic data can actually be quite telling when it comes to preparing which services will be most widely used and which trends are likely to continue to grow. For example, it’s thanks to economic data that we know about the growing senior population and can take steps to help prevent a senior care crisis long before it becomes too serious.
Keeping an eye on trends is a good way to see what needs exist in the senior community and to account for them. It’s not an exact science, but it is one that has proven to be more successful than not. It helps care services like ours stay a step ahead of the needs of our communities and make sure that the seniors amongst us are given all that they need to live the best quality of life possible. Trend analysis and senior living reports can’t fix everything, but they can help us to prepare.
One trend that did not surprise many senior care professionals was the decline in use of skilled nursing facilities. There was a slight drop in the occupancy of skilled nursing facilities and nursing homes in urban areas in 2017 when compared to 2016. Much of this occurred because of the increasing popularity of in-home care, digital medicine, and assisted living facilities. These services are much cheaper than nursing homes, and they don’t carry the same distaste with them that many seniors experience when considering their care options.
But just because many people do not want or need to reside within a skilled nursing facility does not mean that they don’t provide an essential service. Nursing homes may not see the same popularity that they once did, but they will continue to be vital to the wellbeing of many.
Skilled nursing might be the best choice for you or a loved one, but it might not. If you’re unsure of which type of care is best for your family, please feel free to give us a call or email today. We can schedule a free consultation and answer all of your questions regarding senior care, get a better feel for what your specific care needs might be, and get a better idea of which types of services you will benefit the most from. In-home care is a great solution for many. We strongly believe that this is one of the main reasons why the use of nursing homes has begun to drop in cities. More people are realizing that this is a better alternative. Not only is it cheaper, it is also something that can help your elderly loved one to live with more freedom and independence.
But in-home care isn’t for everyone. If you’re unsure, or you just want a second opinion, we would love to help. Check our contact information at the top of the page, or leave a comment in the section below.
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