Home Sweet Home: How Granny Flats Promote Well-Being in the Elderly Classic Granny Flats Address: 37 Winton Road, Joondalup WA 6027 Phone: (08) 9301 2122
Australia’s aging population is on the rise. According to statistics, the number of adults aged 65 years and above grew from 11.8% to 14.7% in the period between 1994 and 2014. The population of seniors aged 85 years and above, on the other hand, increased from 1% of the total population in 1994 to almost 2% in 2014. The country’s aging population presents a challenge for better elderly care services. When it comes to these needs, most people prefer home care. In fact, some statistical reports showed that 90% of seniors want to remain in the comfort of their own homes, as opposed to institutional care. The Difference Home Care Makes In-home care provides many benefits for the elderly, including better supervision of the health and well-being of seniors and greater emotional support. Furthermore, one particular study conducted in 2000 asserts that readmission to hospitals is reduced when older adults receive adequate home care as part of their recovery.
The research team conducted structured telephone interviews for 253 adults aged 65 and up who were discharged from the hospital after treatment for congestive heart failure. The results revealed that home care is effective in reducing the risk of readmission among older adult patients. Rise of Granny Flats Providing home care for an older relative has its benefits, but some family-caregivers can develop the habit of doing everything for the elderly. This well-meaning assistance can negatively affect the person’s well-being and perception of self, causing loss of independence. The need for enabling independence among older adults gave rise to secondary dwellings or granny flats. Often an extension in the property or a separate building situated in the backyard, these structures allow seniors to maintain habits and routine activities, which effectively improves self-confidence and boosts morale.
By allowing the person receiving care to take control of things in their own space, the elderly develops a sense of purpose in life and achievement, eliminating negative feelings of frustration over their health condition. For the relatives, granny flats are also beneficial as they offer greater access to older adults, making it easier to provide moral support and maintain a certain level of supervision. As Australia’s aging population increases, there is a stronger need for home health care services. Granny flats are a senior-friendly living environment, offering the benefits of home health care and the right level of independence the elderly need.
RESOURCES: http://www.classicgrannyflatswa.com.au/ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10845143 http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/0/1CD2B1952AFC5E7ACA25729800 0F2E76?OpenDocument