Elderly individuals are often transferred to nursing homes due to medical incidents, such as strokes, while they do not need this level of care. Research shows that one in every 11 people in nursing homes has "low care needs," meaning they do not require physical assistance.
Housing Challenges for the Elderly
Many of these individuals lose their jobs and housing after serious illnesses and rely on options like temporary care programs for the homeless. However, after treatment, a big question arises: where should they go? As a result, many of them are transferred to nursing homes, even if they do not technically need this level of care.
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High Costs of Nursing Homes
The cost of living in nursing homes averages $119,340 per year, while the cost of permanent supportive housing is about $16,000 per year. This cost difference puts individuals in a difficult position, especially in situations where sustainable housing is scarce.
Sinok, an occupational therapist, recalls that one of her clients lost her housing due to a stroke while in the hospital. Although her family was ready to take her in, she could not go to their second-floor apartment. This situation highlights the serious challenges that elderly individuals face, especially when housing options are not available.
According to surveys, three-quarters of elderly individuals prefer to age in their own homes and communities. Elderly individuals tend to want to live in familiar environments and not be separated from their family and friends. However, many of them are transferred to nursing homes due to a lack of suitable housing options.
Reports indicate that nursing homes increasingly leave vulnerable individuals in homeless shelters or without a specific destination. This situation has arisen due to the high costs of long-term care and the financial pressures created.
To improve the situation, there is a need to build appropriate supportive housing for elderly individuals with very low incomes that preserves their sense of independence and meets their care needs.
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