What are biggest changes for assisted living in the future?

Our Guest Post today shares some of the changes for Nursing Homes in the future. What will these changes mean for the caregiver or for those who are dependent on assisted living.

The healthcare industry has changed massively in the last few years. And now it appears that changes for assisted living are in the future. Not only has it needed to survive the recent recession, it has also had to accommodate huge advancements in medicine and technology. People are living longer and this means more of a drain on their finances and more demand for care in their home or assisted living. The industry is still advancing, which means significant changes will soon begin to materialize:

The decline of the nursing home

There has been a steady decline in nursing homes over the past five years and this trend is set to continue. People no longer want to see their elderly parents in a nursing facility when they can happily live independently, or in an assisted living style accommodation.

The fact that older people are now more mobile and healthy has also contributed to this shift in housing needs. There are even facilities appearing which cater for those who have memory problems and may be better suited to living in an environment that reflects their memory.

Technology

Technology is advancing quickly and this is emphasized in the arrival of personal care robots. As these devices become more advanced and more affordable they will become a common sight in many older people’s homes. They can provide assistance for all their living requirements allowing them to retain their independence for much longer.

Multi-generational housing

It is becoming increasingly common and accepted that parents will move in with their children. Finances will be pooled to ensure the accommodation is either expanded or a new property is purchased to accommodate everyone comfortably. This allows the parents to maintain their independence whilst having a source of help nearby.

New builds

As the world continues to recover from the recession many older people have realized that they wish or need to continue working. Even if they have mobility issues this can be possible provided there is a dedicated increase in the number of properties designed and built with senior citizens in mind. Small, neighborhood type accommodations can house many senior citizens and remain in the town, allowing them to stroll into the shops and continue working if they wish to.

Communal housing

The emphasis on many new builds is to provide a space where any senior citizen can live independently but also have the convenience of amenities on their doorstep. Communal or co-operative housing provides this in the form of large communal gardens, club rooms and even sports facilities. There are also regular shared meals and the opportunity for all residents to have a say in community decisions.

Traditional senior housing

The traditional model of senior housing is continuing but with additional benefits. These are the features that you often find in co-operative housing; this is to ensure that existing tenants remain with them and they are able to attract new ones in what is becoming an increasingly competitive market place. Some of the housing facilities are offering themed properties to make specific genre’s feel at home.

Go green

Environmental issues are relevant to older people as well as the younger generation. New houses are now being built which use solar panels, rain water and eco-friendly lighting. They are generally slightly more expensive than the other options although the running costs may be cheaper in the long term. But then again, before considering moving to an eco-friendly assisted living facility, caregivers should make sure that their aging parent or relative is a good fit in that environment. Many seniors love to stay outside and enjoy nature; but there are those that prefer to stay inside. For them you must look for nursing homes that feature engaging activities to keep them happy and fulfilled.

Many people simply wish to stay in their own homes for as long as possible. This has led to a dramatic increase in the number of healthcare professionals which are required to offer in home care. The healthcare industry is literally booming and will continue to do so as the number of older people staying alive increases. This can actually be the cheapest option for many seniors who have no significant medical issues. Don’t forget about advanced technology. There are all sorts of gadgets available meant to help caregivers keep an eye on their loved ones from a distance.

Author: Edward Francis and Foresthc.com!