Home care, need for increased physician involvement in the 21st century

摘要

In the 21 st century, the challenge for US health care will be to find ways to better care for the ever-growing homebound population. As of 2005, there were 2 million permanently homebound individuals, half of whom were age 65 or older. The homebound elderly population will increase to 3 million in the next decade. Millions more will be homebound temporarily, recovering from acute illnesses.1'2 By 2030, individuals aged 65 or older will be 20% of the US population. Many of these individuals will have multiple medical and psychiatric conditions, with resultant limitations in ambulation and transfers.3'4 in addition, the elderly are showing an increasing preference for being cared for in their homes.5 The cost of nursing home care continues to increase.6 As a result, there has been a decline in the number of nursing home beds per capita.7 Thus, the demand for care of the homebound individuals, especially the elderly, will continue to increase significantly.