How Changes to Health Care Could Impact Elder Care
Elder Care in Rockford MI
The healthcare industry in the United States has changed dramatically in the past few years. These changes were brought about by the Affordable Care Act of 2010, more commonly referred to as 
Obamacare. The changes that occurred to the laws surrounding healthcare, including mandatory health insurance and other factors have had long reaching impacts on many other aspects within the healthcare industry itself.
Those changes also affect elder care for millions of seniors. As the Baby Boomer generation is retiring at the moment and will continue to do so for many years, there are going to be more and more seniors requiring healthcare and care at home. Home care for the elderly is one of the best options for any senior who requires extra assistance or even medical attention within the comfort of their home.
The Affordable Care Act is part of a wide reaching change in trying to save the federal government money on Medicare and Medicaid expenses as well. The federal government has been pressuring hospitals in recent years to reduce their readmission rates, which basically refers to any time a person has to be readmitted within 30 days of discharge. The federal government is also placing increased pressure on hospitals to reduce the length of stay for patients.
Seniors who have to be hospitalized for any reason, whether they had a heart attack, stroke, are suffering from pneumonia, have had major surgery, fell and were injured, or anything else may find themselves being directed to return home earlier than they might have expected. This means there will be the need for extra care at home once they are discharged.
Between the Baby Boomer generation and reduced hospital stays, there are more and more people preferring to remain in place and get proper care at home rather than going to a nursing home or assisted living facility. That means the demand for home care for the elderly continues to increase as well.
The best option for seniors who require some type of care at home is to choose home care for the elderly provided through an agency. The changes to healthcare will continue to take effect this year and in the coming years, but one thing that will remain consistent is the quality of care seniors receive through various home care agencies across the country.
If you or someone you know needs help with elder care services in Rockford, MI, contact Gauthier Family Home Care. We provide quality and affordable home care services in our community. Call us at (616) 258-2300 for more information.
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