‘Continuing Care’ Options Expanding for Seniors as Demand Grows

As more people reach retirement age in the United States, there has been growing concern about these seniors getting the care and support they need during their Golden Years. Aging in place has been a term that developed to encapsulate the idea of remaining home for as long as possible, especially as an increased risk of health issues and limited mobility become a reality.

Home care has been a valuable asset in helping people to age in place, but now a new term is taking shape and is the focus for a growing number of elderly men and women. It’s called ‘continuing care.’

This term can cover a wide range of options, including living communities and retirement facilities. Still, many of these same seniors who are choosing a continuing care option and moving into a retirement community understand they will likely need some type of assistance at some point in the future.

That is where home care continues to be an invaluable asset. When it comes to demand, though, a quick look at various communities across country can indicate just how many aging men and women are truly focused on this type of living situation.

According to WFAE 90.7 in Charlotte, North Carolina, in the blog, ‘The Last House I’m Gonna Have’: The Continuing Care Gap Option [f]or Seniors, written by Mark Rumsey:

“Aldersgate is completing an $85 million expansion. And on another side of town, the Southminster continuing care community is also expanding and renovating, to the tune of $120 million. “There’s strong demand,” says Stewart Wiley, Southminster’s sales and marketing director. “You’re seeing that visually in the number of communities that are being built or the expansions that are going on.”

The website SmartAsset, using census data, reports that in 2016, North Carolina was the third most popular destination for retirees who were moving to a new state. South Carolina ranked fourth. The National Investment Center for Seniors Housing and Care says that since early 2015, 872 new units in independent living and continuing care communities have come online in the Charlotte metro region.’’

When seniors need assistance, they call on home care aides and other services. By combining home care agencies and providers with these retirement communities, it provides an option for elderly men and women who may not be as available in other living environments.

These ‘continuing care’ communities are expanding and growing in popularity and, as a result, home care agencies would do well to stay ahead of the curve in order to provide the best supports these aging seniors will require.