The quality of someone's life is very important. If your quality of life is not worth living whether from illness or life situations, every day is difficult. The concept of Adult Day Care Centers and Assisted Living Facilities and CCRC's are to create a healthy and happy quality of life as your body ages. I recently came upon an article in a healthcare Magazine for the elderly where a reverend has come up with a portable home for an elderly person to live in, placed in the backyard of the caregiver. The home has all the necessities for life plus a system to transmit an occupants vital health information to offsite caregivers.
I believe that this concept will become very popular. But I worry if caregivers will be the benefit. They will have piece of mind that they are "caring" for their elderly parent by housing them and keeping them out of a nursing home. But I wonder about the quality of life the person will have. The caregiver still needs to provide activities, transportation, and care as the person ages. The MED Cottage has a kitchenette, living room/bedroom and bathroom. I just hope this concept isn't misused and people are left alone 24 hrs a day there.
On a better note. I believe it will be popular for people who are still independent. They could still have a garden, share in family activities, have neighbors, and if they drive still remain independent. However, it is being marketed as an alternative to a nursing home. The average person doesn't understand that people in adult day care and assisted living are paying mostly for health care and the potential need for skilled nursing at some point in their stay. It will be interesting to watch this trend.
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