How does culture impact an older adult or familys decisions regarding in-home care vs out-of-home placement?
Various community care options are available for older adults. Some of them include long-term care facilities (National Association of Social Workers, 2021; Callahan & Kartupelis, 2022), nursing homes (Matson, 2017; Overman, 2019), aging in place, in-home care, assisted living communities, independent living communities, care homes, Continuing-Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs), Memory Care Facilities (Alzheimer’s Care Facilities), and skilled nursing facilities (Caring.com, 2022).
Out-of-home placement can be highly beneficial for older adults and their families. They are exposed to forming new bonds with other people and cultivating meaningful relationships, thereby reducing incidences of social isolation and creating a sense of belongingness, security, and dignity (Callahan & Kartupelis, 2022). Adults and families can receive the help needed to improve the quality of life for their loved ones. However, out-of-home placement can be stressful for older adults and their families. Being away from home in an environment that fails to feel at home can cause distress for individuals. Furthermore, failure to receive quality services due to problems such as a lack of qualified social workers in the facilities or low staffing can also be problematic for older adults and their families. Lastly, identifying the most appropriate resource can be challenging, which is worsened by financial constraints (Galiana &Haseltine, 2019).
In various cultures, family caregiving is considered to take precedence over assisted living since familial care is said to demonstrate respect for the elders. Out-home-care placement is rarely considered for individuals from cultures that emphasize this sense of duty among family members to take care of the elderly. However, this comes at a high cost as individuals are subjected to the possibility of depression and health as well as physical health problems (Lewis, 2020). Individuals who emphasize familial care are likely to consider in-home care and, therefore, the need to consider providing in-home supportive services or other supportive services to help family caregivers and older adults in the comfort of their homes.
References
Callahan, A.,& Kartupelis, J. (2022). Meaningful Relationships in Long Term Care — Helping Residents Make Their House a Home. Social Work Today, 19(1), 18.
Caring.com. (2022). Eldercare Options: Find What’s Right for Your Loved One. https://www.caring.com/caregivers/elder-care-options-for-senior-living-arrangements/
Galiana, J.,&Haseltine, W. (2019). Aging Well: Solutions to the Most Pressing Global Challenges of Aging. Palgrave Macmillan.
Lewis, K. (August 3, 2020). How Cultural Attitudes Toward Aging Affect Senior Care. A Place for Mom. https://www.aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/how-different-cultures-care-for-seniors
Matson, J. (March 20, 2017). A Day in the Life of a Nursing Home Social Worker. Alabama Nursing Home Association. https://anha.org/a-day-in-the-life-of-a-nursing-home-social-worker/
National Association of Social Workers. (2021). NASW Standards for Social Work Services in Long-Term Care Facilities. https://www.socialworkers.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=cwW7lzBfYxg%3D&portalid=0
Overman, S. (July 26, 2019). Despite Their Importance, Many Nursing Homes Lack Social Workers. Forbes, https://www.forbes.com/sites/nextavenue/2019/07/26/despite-their-importance-many-nursing-homes-lack-social-workers/?sh=
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Question
Please consider the following in your response:
What are some of the possible community care options available for older adults?
What are some benefits and challenges for older adults and their families when considering out-of-home placement?
How does culture impact an older adult or family’s decisions regarding in-home care vs. out-of-home placement?
Please share any other thoughts you have after reviewing the readings.