eldercare

Eldercare refers to the range of services and support provided to older adults who need assistance with daily activities or health management. It includes informal caregiving by family and friends and formal services delivered by trained professionals. The goal is to enable aging in place where possible, maintain independence, protect safety, and improve quality of life.

Care settings include in-home care, community-based services, assisted living facilities, skilled nursing facilities, and hospice. In-home care may involve homemaking, personal care, medication management, and skilled nursing. Community services may include adult day programs, meal services, and transportation.

Effective eldercare requires assessment, care planning, and coordination among healthcare providers, social services, and families. Key components are help with daily activities, chronic disease management, fall prevention, medication review, and support for caregivers.

Common needs arise from chronic conditions, dementia, sensory impairment, mobility limitations, and end-of-life care. Respect for autonomy and advance directives are important ethical considerations.

Funding and policy vary by country; programs may be government-funded, privately funded, or a mix. In some systems, public programs cover certain home- and facility-based services, while others require private payment or long-term care insurance.

Workforce challenges include shortages of trained caregivers and high turnover. Training, fair wages, and respite support for family caregivers are important to sustain eldercare systems.

Trends include aging populations, person-centered care, home- and community-based services, and the use of telehealth and assistive technologies to support monitoring and independence.