Don't Get Old

I was at a meeting to discuss the housing issues facing our local aging population last week hosted by the Health Department of Allen County along with about 10 other organizations. I knew there were very few housing solutions for this demographic, but I walked away even more hopeless.

Not only is there not much money out there to keep people’s homes in livable conditions but there are even few options for alternative housing. Too many times I say to folks that it’s time to look for other housing due to their needs being too great for Neighborlink, and the reality that awaits is there is no other housing for them. 

It’s really terrible. We need ideas and fast. 

Here are some realities facing older adults:

1. Fixed incomes of $600 - $1000 a month will barely cover food, bills & medication. Rarely all at the same time. Won’t leave enough to maintain house.
2. Those living on a fixed income are living below poverty.
3. Nursing Homes - You must prove a severe medical condition to access nursing home living with Medicaid. Very few people actually qualify.
4. Assisted Living - $3,000 - $5,000 a month. Hope you did well in life or your family has deep pockets
5. Families are fragmented more than ever, leaving few options for family members living with their children. 

Costs of Falls Among Older Adults

Here is some interesting information about how much healthcare money is being spent related to older adults (65 & older) falling. The Health Department handed this info out. (Related to census & a little outdated, but significant & much higher today)

• In 2000, total direct cost of all fall injuries exceeded $19 Billion
• By 2020, projected to be $54.9 Billion
• 1 in 3 adults (65 & older) falls each year
• Of those falls, 20-30% suffer moderate to sever injuries making it harder to live independently & leads to early death
• This population is hospitalized for fall-related injures 5 times more often than injuries from other causes
• Those 72 & Older, the average health care cost totals nearly $20,000
• In 2000, traumatic brain injuries and injuries to the hips, legs, and feet were the most common and costly fatal fall injuries, and accounted for 78% of ftalities and 79% of the costs. 

I could go on and on with the info and references the Health Department gave us. 

It’s really hard to know what to do with this information. For the most part, it comes down to adequate housing issues and whether or not they have clear walking paths, handrails and grab bars. 

The challenge lies in education and access to services if they choose to access them. Not everyone things they need help or need anyone’s advice on what should or shouldn’t happen at their houses. I agree with them as I wouldn’t want anyone barging into my house telling me to re-do things for safety issues. 

What does need to happen is for people to rethink where they are putting their money. Whether it’s the insurance companies or the government, they need to consider ways to prevent the problem rather than putting a bandaid on it after the fact. It’s a lot cheaper for organizations to put up a $50 handrail than it is to pay the $20,000 in medical costs.