Aging and Long Term Care Needs

WSOCTV

January 16, 2009

The number of older Americans is growing. In 2003, Census experts report 35.9 million Americans were 65 or older. That number is expected to increase to 72 million by 2030 and more than 80 million in 2050. 

Advancing age is often associated with health issues. 80 percent of those 65 and older have at least one chronic health problem (most commonly heart disease, cancer, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis and respiratory disease). About half of older Americans have two or more chronic health conditions. 

Health problems can make it hard for some elderly folks to care for themselves. One survey found 1.8 million older Americans have difficulties with housekeeping-related tasks, like shopping or cleaning. About 3.3 million have difficulty with eating, bathing or getting around. 

A person who is unable to care for himself/herself may require placement in a long-term care facility, or nursing home. The Alliance for Health Reform estimates 33 percent of Americans turning 65 in 2010 will need long-term care.

The Green House Concept 

Nursing homes provide vital services for many Americans. But, the service is sometimes very impersonal. In the traditional nursing home setting, there are defined staff roles and schedules. In some cases, patients’ needs may go unmet because staff members don’t have time for interaction and individual attention. 

As baby boomers age, they are becoming more vocal about their expectations for long-term care. The Alliance for Health Reform reports that many boomers prefer a home-like setting over a nursing home. Older people also want decision making power, the ability to pick and choose which activities to participate in, assist with menu planning and the autonomy to get up, eat and go to bed when they want. 

A new concept in nursing home care is gaining popularity around the country.

It’s called the Green House® Project. Instead of a large institution, clients live in a “home-like” dwelling designed for 7 to 10 residents. Residents have their own private bedrooms and bathrooms that can be decorated with personal accessories. The bedrooms open to a central living area. Off of the living area, there is a dining area, where meals are shared around the dining table, and an open kitchen. Each Green House also has a laundry unit, outdoor garden and patio. All Green House units are built to code using the latest technology (like wireless pagers, smart computers and adaptive devices), warm furniture and décor and wheelchair accessibility. The units are also designed to make the most of sunlight, plants and outdoor spaces. 

The Green House concept of care emphasizes the personal needs of the patient. The units are run by a trained group of workers, called Shahbazim. Each Shahbazim is a Certified Nursing Assistant who has been trained in the Green House philosophy, meal preparation, personal care, light housekeeping, laundry and household management. 

Robert Jenkens, Director of THE GREEN HOUSE® Project, says the housing concept is more like a shared family arrangement. Residents are invited to help with meal planning, cooking, housekeeping or laundry. Family, friends and Green House workers may join in meals and activities. The residents and staff also collaborate on daily activities to come up with A schedule that suits individual needs. Workers focus on the needs of the residents, taking time to talk to them and attend to their needs. 

Jenkens says even though Green House residents have more autonomy than those in a traditional nursing home, they still receive skilled nursing care. A staff nurse is available or on-call 24-hours a day. Doctors and other health professionals visit on a regular basis to attend to medical needs of the residents.

There are currently more than 40 Green House sites around the country.

Several new projects are underway, which will bring the total number of Green House units across the country to more than 175.

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