As America’s senior population expands, the need for home-based care has become critical—especially in areas facing severe shortages of direct care workers. With an increase in demand and fewer available resources, countless older adults are struggling to find the support and care they need to age at home with dignity and peace of mind.
The Cost of Aging in Place
By 2030, one in five Americans will be 65 or older, and most of them would prefer to stay in their homes as they age. However, many haven’t fully prepared for the costs of aging at home. According to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS):
- Over half of older adults will need long-term care, which is generally not covered by Medicare or health insurance.
- An average American will incur $120,900 in future long-term services and supports (LTSS) costs.
- Full-time home care averages $68,640 a year.
- A private room in a nursing home runs around $116,800 annually.
- 24/7 home health aide services can cost an astonishing $288,288 per year.
There is a significant imbalance between the growing senior population, increasing costs of care and the shrinking direct care workforce. This triple threat is making it even more challenging for seniors to age safely at home.
How PERS is Making a Difference
While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, Personal Emergency Response Services (PERS) can help bridge gaps in care while empowering seniors to age gracefully and well in place. PERS deliver:
- 24/7 emergency support and assistance
- Continuous monitoring and fall detection
- Emergency services and support when needed
These easy-to-use connected devices are designed to offer peace of mind not only to seniors but also to their family members and caregivers who may not be able to provide full-time care.
A More Cost-Effective Solution
For many, PERS can offer a more affordable alternative to assisted living or long-term care services. This added security and peace of mind can also help extend in-home living. Additionally, some PERS provide access to a wide range of services, such as medical transportation and meal delivery. These value-added services enable health plans and providers to deliver more personalized benefits and supports that address many of the challenges seniors face as they age.
Looking at the Impact of PERS on Outcomes
PERS isn’t just about convenience and peace of mind—it also has a tangible impact on outcomes and healthcare costs. In fact, Connect America’s PERS has been linked to reduced hospital readmission rates, fewer EMS encounters and lower healthcare costs.
A white paper on the effectiveness of PERS combined with CareSage analytics and tailored interventions revealed several promising results, including the following:
- 68% decrease in 90-day readmissions
- 49% decrease in 180-day EMS encounters
- 31% reduction in hospitalization costs
- 42% of subscribers were able to be assisted on-site without needing emergency intervention or hospitalization.
A Vital Tool for the Future of Senior Care
As demand for care far exceeds supply, PERS offers a lifeline for seniors looking to age safely at home. By bridging care gaps and reducing the strain on healthcare systems and caregivers, these cost-effective devices are playing an essential role in the future of home-based care.
Take Action Today
Investing in a PERS solution today could mean more years of independent living and reduced healthcare costs in the future. To learn more about offering PERS as a part of your benefits, schedule a free consultation today.