Families Dispersed and Rely on Institutions

[jeremy]

This question really addresses the shift in expectations in eldercare. Will it be the family or an institution who will meet this crisis? We have a tradition of caring for our elder family members, but the makeup of the American family is changing. People are having fewer children. There are definitely benefits to having a larger family size. Caring for loved ones is time intensive and the responsibility is great. With less children to share in the caregiving, this becomes harder and harder to do.

One study shows that only those people who have three or more daughters or daughters-in-law have a better than 50% chance of not finishing their life in a nursing home or an institution.

Also, family is now more geographically spread out than before. Long distance caregiving is very difficult to do. How can you check in on a loved one in person if you live on the opposite coast? So many questions arise: How do you know that they are taking the medicines, have food to eat, and are safe in their homes. As a result, Americans are coming to depend on institutions like nursing homes to take care of their families. What do you think are some solutions to this issue?

[Amber J]

This question raises an important issue in elder care. As a society, we value family values and togetherness. It is hard imaging spending Thanksgiving away from home at an institution. As more middle-class, middle-aged children found themselves choosing between their aging parents and their own families, it may be harder than ever to find a good solution. Nursing homes play important roles in our society. They free up middle-aged Americans to be active in their homes and communities. But at the same time, how can one make sure that Dad is eating his vegetables or that Mom is comfortable with her new pillow. Even with technological breakthroughs in communication, to what extend could a elder individual cash in on Internet and telephone? It is at this time that the health professionals becomes our most important allies. Geriatricians, Nurses, and Aids are our eyes an ears. When we cannot be there physically with our loved ones, we can be there through constant communication with the people who know most about their daily activities and health. Through active participation, we can help aging parents and loved ones maintain a standard quality of life.

[kevinchen]

You are right. My grandfather is in a nursing home now. He is like most men of his generation -- strong and silent and doesn't really let you know how he is doing day-to-day. We do depend on the staff especially the nurses and nurses aides to let us know how he is doing. Both my parents have careers, my mom is a teacher and my dad is an engineer, that wouldn't be possible if he was living at home with them. I don't know what the solution is. But we make sure to have him come over and spend Thanksgiving and holidays with us!

[ddddyyyy]

I agree with jeremy









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