“What influences older adults’ preferences for care?”

What influences older adults’ preferences for care?,” MedicalPress

Quote:

“The researchers found that support from family was the most important influence on care preferences for older adults. But people also usually formed their preferences based on a variety of factors. They also discovered that it was unusual for older adults to know their care preferences or to have a clear understanding of how they formed their preferences.

“The key findings of this study were:

  • The level of support from families was the most important influence on care preferences. Often, older adults changed their preferences based on the concerns of family members or a wish to avoid ‘being a burden’ to others. This was especially true for preferences regarding the places where people wished to receive care (for example, at home versus in a healthcare facility).
  • Older adults’ experiences of previous illness and of caring for others also influenced preferences about their own future care.
  • Being more seriously ill strongly influenced care preferences, especially for older adults who were aware that they were unwell.”

LTC Comment (from Stephen A. Moses, President, Center for Long-Term Care Reform):  Interesting that not being a burden on others and prior care-giving experience influence type-of-care preferences. Having LTCI would ameliorate both concerns and keep all options open.

What influences older adults’ preferences for care?

#adultcare
#goldencareagent