Lack of retirement homes leads to aging in place

There is a general consensus that most older adults want to age at home as they grow older, but patients who are managing chronic conditions can often require too much medical care for independent living. This could pose a problem in the future, as there is a severe shortage of specialist retirement homes to meet the needs of these elderly individuals, particularly in Britain. 


A new report from the University of Reading recently highlighted the dramatic impact that this shortage of housing could have on seniors who need help.


"Many older people wish to downsize because their garden or home become too difficult to maintain, or because of the loss of a loved one," researcher Michael Ball told The Cornish Guardian.

"But the limited supply of the right type of retirement accommodation means there are few alternatives, and what is available can be expensive because supply and land costs are so high."


The research claims that, by 2033, there will be an extra 3.5 million households with residents age 65 and over who could encounter serious difficulty if they are unable to move.


Some may rely on extra care at home to fill this gap, but patients who need round-the-clock care may be hard-pressed to find other options. Experts suggest that using the internet can be a step in the right direction, because it can allow users to look through the possibilities, and compare amenities and prices.  


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