Aging in Place in America Survey

Senior woman spending quality time with her daughter

A national survey shows a stark gap between the desire to age in place in America and the ability to do so..

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Exploring U.S. Perspectives on Aging in Place

Aging in Place refers to the ability of an adult to live in their existing home or community regardless of age, income, or physical mobility. 

Through a national survey of 2,750 U.S. adults, we uncovered three main factors that influence individuals' ability to age in place: social determinants of health (SDOH) like access to transportation and technology, presence and availability of loved ones who can provide care, and the patients' perceptions regarding the quality of care that they are receiving and expecting to receive.

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Why Aging in Place?

With the U.S. population living longer than ever before and evidence signaling adults want to stay in their homes and communities, it is critical to better understand the needs of the country's aging population. Additionally, a looming shortage of caregivers has helped spark increased U.S. government attention on home dialysis, teleheath, and chronic care management - all factors that demand industry attention.

Certain social determinants of health have an outsized impact on the ability to age in place

According to the Centers for Disease Control, conditions in the places where people live, learn, work, and play affect a wide range of health risks and outcomes. 

These conditions are known as social determinants of health (SDOH). 

Food insecurity, health literacy, and housing security are factors that decrease the likelihood to age in place by 7%.

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Social determinants of health need to be addressed immediately to help older adults achieve their goal of aging in place

1 in 2 people experience food insecurity

Only half of people identify as health literate

Nearly half of people suffer from housing insecurity or instability

Source: Aging in Place in America Survey, Fresenius Medical Care North America, 2019

Adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) face more SDOH challenges

Individuals living with CKD report a strong desire to age in place

Yet, fewer than half of those living with CKD actually believe they can achieve this goal

Half of those living with CKD experience six or more of the identified challenges related to social determinants of health

Source: Aging in Place in America Survey, Fresenius Medical Care North America, 2019

A strong caregiver network is key to aging in place

More than 1 in 3 caregivers manage common chronic conditions

CKD caregivers are much more likely to see aging in place as a goal for the adult they care for

41% of U.S. caregivers are  millenials (aged 23-38)

In the past five years, over 40 million family caregivers provided 37 billion hours of care for loved ones. 

The value of care is estimated at $470 billion.

 

Source: aginginplace.org, 2020

Source: Aging in Place in America Survey, Fresenius Medical Care North America, 2019

CKD dialysis patients do not fully understand home care options

Recent research confirms better outcomes and increased flexibility with home therapies

1 in 2 people think the quality of care would be better in a clinic or hospital setting

More than half would prefer home dialysis if perceived as an equal quality of care

Source: Aging in Place in America Survey, Fresenius Medical Care North America, 2019

It is critical for the healthcare community to commit to a future where older adults can age on their own terms and remain in control of their circumstances to the best of their ability. Our organization is moving beyond the status quo of providing care in a clinical setting and supporting societal shifts that allow individuals to thrive in the settings where they feel most comfortable.

BILL VALLE, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE NORTH AMERICA
Nurse Making Notes During Home Visit With Senior Couple Smiling

Integrated Approach to Help Make Aging in Place Achievable

Fresenius Medical Care North America is dedicating resources to combat social determinants of health. Our solutions include: 

  • Patient education
  • Home therapies
  • Social worker access
  • Caregiver support
  • Connected health technologies

Fresenius Medical Care North America continuously interacts with patients and caregivers, making the company well-positioned to investigate and better understand the realities and barriers one faces during aging.

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