Home Instead study older people’s attitudes to care
The third edition of Home Instead's survey into older adults’ thoughts, needs and anxieties about ageing and the care they expect has been published with some striking results
Fascinating insights into the ageing agenda
At Home Instead we believe it is important to understand the concerns, needs and wishes of older adults so that our service can meet their expectations. Here, we share some statistics from this ‘state of the nation’ review which highlights the latest trends and will help us to shape our homecare for the future.
For the full homecare views report, click here, but here are a few of the key insights:
74% of family carers said they wish that they had greater help for their ageing parents.
68% of over 66 year olds said that the Government’s Royal Commission into social care will achieve nothing.
77% of family carers said that they believe artificial intelligence has the potential to reduce loneliness in older people.
57% of respondents said that they believe the government should declare that dementia is a national health emergency.
85% of respondents said that older people feel an increased risk of digital financial scams.
Dementia Concerns
Shockingly, our survey revealed that over one third of adults worry that one of their friends or a family member may have dementia which is not yet diagnosed and this is a primary concern for people with 80% calling for more research into Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Many also seek preventative measures and this is supported by Alzheimer’s Research UK and their “Think Brain Health” campaign.
At Home Instead our relationship-led approach to dementia care helps people to remain safe in their own homes and actively engaged in daily living with care from trained professionals which has several advantages over residential care homes.
The daughter of one Home Instead client always thought she would never accept personal care support however it seems to be working well, it’s been a very slow process with the personal care it has all had to be implemented at her Mom’s own pace. She recently told us “..currently away on holiday (the first time we’ve both been out of the country at the same time since before we lost Dad). Knowing that Mom is being well looked after while we are away a great relief.
Care at home backed by science
Interesting new areas of research reveal that 30% of people believe that medicine and science could help to slow down the ageing process. 63% of people said that they would take approved medication to slow down ageing. Over half of respondents believed that lifespan and healthspan will increase in the next decade and perhaps the answer is diet and exercise, with over three quarters believing in exercise and nutrition as as an effective method to combat frailty and stay young!
One of our clients lives with Parkinson’s. When we began care for him, all he was doing was napping in his chair as he had no motivation to do anything. Supporting him since August 2024, our care professionals visit and go out for walks with him, and they have even walked up Clent Hills, they often walk into Hagley and go in the café for a coffee. They also often play scrabble which keeps his mind active. These small things keeping mind and body active, have elevated his mood helping him to slow down ageing, improving his independence whilst also allowing his wife to continue to go out and do the things she enjoys.
