The world’s population of people aged 60 and over is expected to double between 2015 and 2050, jumping from 12% to 22%. The first baby boomers turned 65 in 2011, starting a trend of relative growth within the senior population that will continue until 2030.
With such a serious jump within the senior population, a great of those in that demographic are going to need long-term care. In the United States alone, nearly 70% of Americans turning 65 will need long-term care at some point.
This is especially true if a loved one or someone you know is in need of care. Despite folks’ best intentions, caring for an elderly relative can be very challenging and oftentimes it requires the help of professionals to make sure they are properly cared for.
This is why there are many benefits to skilled nursing facilities and senior rehab facilities. Skilled nursing is essential when someone’s care requires the work of skilled and licensed nurses rather than caretakers. At skilled nursing facilities and rehab facilities, seniors are cared for 24 hours a day and will properly get the help they need.
According to data from the American Health Care Association, there are 15,655 skilled nursing care centers in the United States. There are many benefits to skilled nursing facilities and they include:
- Physical Therapy and Staying Active: As a person ages, the need for physical activity takes on a greater importance. This is especially true in places like rehab facilities where a loved one may be recovering from a health issue or some physical like a fall. At a skilled nursing facility, patients are offered various opportunities for physical activity including physical therapy. This allows them to stay active and regain moment for body parts that may be suffering as a result of health issues or an accident.
- Medication: The older someone gets, the more medication they seem to have to take. Depending on the person, they may have a medication regimen of several kinds of pills. Keeping up with the dosages for several pills can be a challenge and nurses at a skilled nursing facility can keep track of everything to make sure patients get their proper dosages of medication on time.
- Peace: When an elderly relative or friend is in need of help, you want to be there with them for support. But chances are you probably aren’t able to. Rehab facilities and skilled nursing facilities can give you and your loved one peace of mind. When you can’t be there, you’ll feel comfortable knowing your loved one is in a place where they can recover, get all the help they need and will be properly cared for. Many skilled nursing facilities also encourage visits, so you’ll be able to visit your loved one when time permits.
- Social support: Suffering an injury from a fall or dealing with health issues in old age can be very challenging or seniors. Sudden changes can adversely effect them and can hinder their path to recovery. Staying at a skilled care facility, a senior citizen will be surrounded by nurses, other seniors going through the same things he/she is and staff. Being surrounded by people who are friendly and willing to help can be a huge boost on the road to recovery and offers untold social and emotional benefits.
- Dieting: Eating right and maintaining a healthy weight is important at any age, but it’s really important for seniors recovering from a health issue. This can become even more of an issue if a senior citizen lives alone and/or has limited mobility. Rehab facilities and skilled nursing facilities can prepare well-balanced meals for seniors and can also take into account dietary restrictions and other dieting concerns.
For Baby Boomers and those who are either close to becoming senior citizens or are already senior citizens, skilled nursing facilities and long term care facilities can offer many benefits. These facilities, while initially new and unfamiliar, can help seniors with juggling medication requirements, eating healthy meals and helping them recovery from health issues while offering plenty of care and emotional and social support.