CA 4 - Skilled Nursing & Continuing Long-Term Care

The average American life expectancy is at 75 years , which reflects an increasing population of Senior citizens projected to reach around 80 million when year 2050 comes around . This is also true with countries as developed as the USA and that of Korea estimating to be at one for every five persons belonging to the senior category . What is also projected is the fact that also by 2050 , more Americans will live at 85 and above at a 30 percent increase of the population . This implies a lot of things mainly , the need

for continuing care will be increased as facilities for such arrangements obviously have to be taken cared of or planned as well (Park and Sprague , 2007

Changing values in the family , the fact of urbanization and improved financial capabilities of those reaching their senior years account for this increased need for continuing care retirement institutions . The picture of current sophisticated nursing care for the elderly is no longer confined to the typical home for the aged . Today 's communities prepared for those in their retirement years take into consideration the sense of independence or autonomy of senior adults , the preservation of their dignity and especially the needed care of each unique individuals making the residents feel that home becomes an integral ambience of their stay (Park and Sprague , 2007

Definitely , the challenges that are distinctive of the senior years include first and foremost the physical decline of the elderly . This alone cascades into several ramifications including the loss or diminished use of some sensory capacities such as loss of touch and impairment of hearing and visual capabilities ( Factors in the elder care decision ' 2005 . Reduced strength becomes a source of daily struggle since motor reflexes become slow as energy levels are equally diminishing (Park and Sprague , 2007

With these changes , the decision to commit elderly to the care of professionals in institutions is usually made when all the advantages and disadvantages have been considered . Advantages include having the facilities such as residential care social services where the physical needs are virtually taken cared of senior community center where the social interactions are looked after to alleviate loneliness and sense of detachment from the family and the community independent housing and nursing home care where the health is maintained and diseases are reduced to a minimum all the needs of the elderly have been thought of and designed basing on the continuum of care concept ( Factors in the elder care decision ' 2005 . Bathing , meals , and medications are practically relieved from the care of the immediate relatives and provided for by trained personnel . In addition , the elderly who can hardly sustain themselves are provided with skilled nursing facilities those who have become health problems (Park and Sprague , 2007

Disadvantages start with the rent or cost which is understandably high Some residential areas may be lower in cost but the isolation may complicate or worsen the health conditions of those who become lonely for their loved ones and other vital...