The Evolution of Elder Care: Trends Shaping the Future

Elder care has experienced numerous changes over the years. Although aging at home, with or without a family member, is still the choice of many, medical and technological advancements have changed how we think of and approach the way we care for older adults.

The Growing Role of Technology in Elder Care

Here are some of the technologies available to help people live as independently and comfortably as possible, whether they choose to age in place in their current residence or in an independent living community:

Wearable Devices

Medical alert systems can provide peace of mind for those living on their own and their families. For example, these systems can monitor for falls and respond by alerting emergency personnel. It’s important to note that for these systems to be effective, they must be set up and worn correctly, and the batteries must be charged and replaced as recommended.

Remote Health Monitoring Systems

Monitoring health conditions from the comfort of one’s home has several benefits, including reducing travel costs and infection risks. This can help providers prevent complications and better manage chronic conditions. Remote patient monitoring devices, such as apnea and blood pressure monitors and blood glucose meters, can help track diabetes, heart conditions, blood pressure, sleep apnea, and other conditions. These systems also pair well with telemedicine.

Telemedicine

Telemedicine makes care access more convenient for older adults who cannot physically attend appointments with their healthcare providers. This option helps older adults and their providers better manage behavioral and chronic conditions while enabling continuity of care by providing access to physicians outside of normal clinic hours.

Smart Home Technology

Smart home technology involves adding devices with sensors in the home. The sensors can detect information about the home, such as motion, lighting, or temperature, and use that information to better support the person who lives there. This technology helps in the following areas:

• Physiological change monitoring (pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation)
• Safety and security (fall reduction, hazard detection, lighting)
• Functionality (meal intake)
• Cognitive or sensory assistance (lost key locator or medication reminders)

Smart home technology can be an effective tool for managing chronic conditions at home and improving care delivery, especially for older adults aging in place.

Services for Aging in Place

Seniors can choose to age in place in their current residence or even in an independent living community. Because independent living is a lifestyle choice rather than a care need, the apartment becomes their next home, enabling them to comfortably age in place while enjoying the benefits of meals, housekeeping, socialization, and more.

Some of the trends shaping the future of aging in place include:

In-Home Care

There are two options for home care: personal care and skilled health care. Personal care involves assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, eating, or using the toilet. In skilled health care, a home health aide or in-home nurse provides medical assistance, such as wound care, medication administration, or help with the use of medical equipment.

Companionship Programs

Some organizations offer companion visits to seniors. These visitors can provide assistance, support, and companionship to older adults and relief for sandwich-generation caregivers. This is an opportunity for socialization, which is important to prevent loneliness and isolation. In independent living communities, residents have plenty of opportunities to socialize and connect with their neighbors.

Meal Programs

Meal programs can supplement nutrition with daily or weekly deliveries. These programs do not assist with preparing or feeding meals, but they can accommodate special diets. Senior centers or Meals on Wheels offer affordable or even free options that make it easy to access healthy and delicious meals.

Those who choose to age in place in an independent living apartment also have access to healthy and delicious meals every day in the dining room.

Transportation Services

Many agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community groups offer door-to-door transportation. Additionally, public transportation options may offer discounted fares for older adults. Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) or independent living transport services can also help ensure older adults receive the care they require by providing transportation to medical appointments.

Emphasizing Emotional and Social Well-Being

Emotional and social well-being are important to preventing loneliness and isolation as we age.

Mental Health Support

Supporting mental health is crucial to reducing stress and isolation, improving cognition, and reducing anxiety and depression. Some ways to support include:

• Exercising regularly
• Maintaining a nutritious diet
• Prioritizing socialization opportunities
• Seeking out counseling options to reduce loneliness
• Participating in recreational and social activities or educational classes

Strong Connections

Maintaining relationships is as critical as staying physically healthy. This isn’t about the number of connections but rather the quality of those connections that makes all the difference. Strong social connections contribute to overall well-being, helping people feel happier and more resilient.

How Can Bethesda Help?

Finding support for all of the above can feel like a tall order. However, in independent living communities, residents will find social connections, recreational activities, fitness classes, healthy and delicious meals, and more all under one roof.

Explore how to get started with your senior living journey, what to consider, the benefits of senior living, and more by exploring our free senior living readiness bundle.