Fewer Elderly Living in Nursing Homes
Posted by Kim on September 27th, 2007
Print This PostGood news:
Despite the graying of the nation, the percentage of elderly living in nursing homes has declined, according to Census data released today. The downturn reflects the improved health of seniors and more choices of care for the elderly.About 7.4% of Americans aged 75 and older lived in nursing homes in 2006, compared with 8.1% in 2000 and 10.2% in 1990.
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The nursing home numbers do not include assisted-living facilities. “There’s no federal definition of assisted living and that’s a void in the data,” Bolda says. “Fortunately, communities are taking responsibility for addressing the needs of older adults rather than waiting for federal policy solutions.”
Let’s hope the numbers continue to go down…and that includes assisted living. Community housing is not home- no matter how pretty it looks. Bring the money to the families, who can take of their elderly loved ones at home. The best solution and also the least costly.