Thirty million American households take care of people over fifty in some way. I’m currently taking care of my parent with help from two other family members, just like many of you. It’s probable that you will too, if you haven’t already, in the near future.
Is it tough for you? Do you think it’s better than putting them in a care facility?
The evidence suggests yes. It’s understandable that not everyone can meet all their parents’ needs. Sadly, in some cases, kids quickly choose a nursing home.
Statistics on Nursing Homes and Seniors
- More than 40% of people living in these places have said they were mistreated, and over 90% reported neglect.
- In a study from 2010, it was found that as many as half of the people taking care of the elderly in nursing homes admitted to abusing and neglecting them.
- Half of all Certified Nursing Assistants admit to verbally abusing, yelling, and using bad language with senior residents.
The US has about 1.7 million approved beds and 15,600 nursing homes, according to info from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in 2014.
Consider that by 2030, one in five Americans, or seventy million people, will be over sixty-five.
This shows that more seniors are increasing than the places and support they might have—or not have.
In a 2015 AARP survey, 90% of seniors preferred to grow old in their own homes. Surprisingly, only 4% would prefer to live with a relative. But their health and the features of their homes will decide if they can live independently.
Older people really care about safety things like wider doors (65%), emergency alert systems (79%), bathroom grab bars (79%), and floors that won’t make them slip (80%). But, sadly, most senior homes don’t have many of these safety features.
That’s where MEDCottage comes in, the maker of “Granny Pods.”
Reasons to Pick “Granny Pods”.
What’s MEDCottage?
Reverend Kenneth Dupin started MEDCottage because there aren’t many choices for seniors to decide where and how to spend their later years.
When living alone becomes more risky than helpful for seniors, Reverend Dupin came up with a solution:
- Older people can maintain their pride and independence for as long as they are physically and mentally able.
- Families can take care of their parents in a practical and cost-effective way that keeps them nearby.
What are “Granny Pods?”
Granny Pods are portable, temporary structures designed to offer your parents a secure and love-filled last phase of life.
MEDCottage’s Granny Pods come in three types: Cottage, Classic, and Grand. Each is about twelve by twenty-four feet and links to the existing plumbing and electrical systems on the property.
Country Living magazine said they look like a bungalow on the outside and a comfy hotel suite inside, complete with a bed, living room, kitchenette, and bathroom.
These homes are made for seniors and can be customized to suit the person you’re caring for. Safety features include things like pill dispensers, webcams, soft flooring, and monitors for vital signs that alert you, the caregiver, if something is wrong.
It sounds great, but how much does it cost in total?
In 2010, the US Department of Health and Human Services mentioned that the usual cost for long-term care in private or semi-private rooms could range from $205 to $230 per day, or $6,235 to $6,965 per month.