This Grandma thinks about today and being “young old.” As GG (great-grandmother) at almost age 93 lives alone and is self sufficient, this is what this Grandma views as the future. GG has her bridge group, and loves to gamble. Grandpa and I have other interests, but the same interest in living at home and being self sufficient for all of our life. Just in case we need assistance, we have long term health care insurance which allows us to stay in our own home. Now, for those who are “old, old” and stay in their own homes, there is a new phenomenon in the United States to consider, adult day care! Remember, according to GG, “old old” is age 84, but this Grandma is convinced that for our Boomer generation, it will be age 90.
Sometimes, the United States is not at the forefront of something that will help those who are “old old.” Apparently, Britain has something called day hospitals since the 1950s, which are outpatient health care facilities that are a center of daily life for retired persons. In the United States that, there are facilities that were inspired by these day hospitals, The subject of an article in the business section of the New York Times on August 21, 2016, entitled “private equity’s stake and keeping the elderly at home,” by Sarah Varney. It is important to read the entire article:
The article’s theme is not the quality of the United States as a copy of the British program, known as Pace, or the program of all inclusive care for the elderly, but is rather the concerns that these programs are changing from being not for profits to for profit companies.
It seems that a company, InnovAge has taken over centers like Pace, converted them to for-profit enterprises, and families in rolled in the program in Denver were unaware of its conversion, the company did not announce the change directly to its participants, but notified a patient advisory group.
Why the sudden interest? Making money, of course, and lots of it. It is we Baby Boomer grandparents who are going to flood the market in the next twenty years. According to the article, “Medicare enrollment is expected to grow by 30 million people in the next two decades, and many of those people are potential future clients. Adding to the allure are hefty profit margin is for programs like these – as high as 15% compared to the average of 2% among nursing homes.”
The allure to us Baby Boomers is not surprising. We do not want to go to nursing homes. We want to remain in our homes. These programs are intended to provide care for us in our own homes and us going to day care centers several times a week for oversight.
The article tells us that Medicare and Medicaid pay pays providers for such “day care” $76,728 a person a year, about $5000 less than the average cost of a nursing home. And the money going to Pace covers all of the persons health and social needs, unlike nursing home care, which doesn’t include hospitalizations and other expensive men medical care and other expensive medical care.
This is a flat rate government payment. And, if such, isn’t it to the for profit company to maximize profits rather than maximize care?
This Grandma is concerned. And it seems that the article sets forth concerns of many family members who are saying that they are concerned about their family members being in it for a profit provider where money is the motive rather than care.
The article mentions that investors in this new technology for seniors “envision technology enabled programs that would rely, in part, on video visits and sensors.” The article continues that “these technologies are largely untested in geriatric care.” The article is clear that everyone is concerned that this transition from not-for-profit to for profit companies might lead to an intended consequences, and detriment to seniors.
The article does emphasize that the current seniors who are attending the pay centers are happy. Their needs are being met. However, we are seeing just the beginning of the changeover from not-for-profit to profit. We must pay attention.
It is our tax dollars and our benefits that are on for the taking by those who do not have our best interest at heart. As a large group of the population, we have power to think about our future. AARP, take note. When we ourselves reach “old old,” it may be too late. Enjoying today without thinking about and watching what those solely with a profit motive have in store for us tomorrow may affect future
Joy,
Mema
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