Elderly People Receive Less Care, Essay Example

Elderly People Receive Less Care in Retirement Homes than With Family Members

How do you want to be treated when you’re retired? Would you rather live in a retirement home or with your loved ones? Many family members place their elderly loved ones in retirement homes because they are unsure about how they will take care of them. Overall, home care has been deemed as expensive and difficult. Elderly individuals often require around the clock caretakers in order to address their needs. Although, proponents of this idea have demonstrated that the care that elderly people receive in home care is much better than the care that they receive in retirement homes. Therefore, it is beneficial for families to invest in this added expense so that they can ensure that their loved ones get the care they deserve.

Studies have shown that while many families believe that the elderly would benefit from living in a retirement home, there is often no doctor within the facility, which becomes problematic when these individuals have emergencies (O’Brien). Therefore, individuals who send their family members to nursing homes are spending money for a lack of services.

Currently, many nursing homes are underfunded and understaffed, presenting residents from getting the type of care that they need. In the future, it is expected that “the number of caregiving households in the U.S. for persons aged 50+ could reach 39 million” in the next few years (National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP). This issue is expected to get worse as the population continues to grow, meaning nursing home care will get worse.

Last, while many nursing homes accept Medicaid, they prefer not to because this doesn’t make them as much money. Ultimately, it is important to remember that nursing homes are businesses and therefore care more about making money more than caring for your aging relatives.

In conclusion, home care is preferable to retirement home care because family members have direct control over the quality of life of their loved ones. In the long run, these individuals receive better health care, are treated fairly, and have the opportunity to save money, which would not be possible in the retirement home setting. If you love your family, think before sending them to the nursing home!

Works Cited

National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. Family caregiving in the U.S.: Findings from a national survey. Washington, DC: Author, 1997.

O’Brien E. 10 things retirement communities won’t tell you. 20 July 2014. Web. 14 May 2015.