In recent years, elderly care in Israel has become a significant challenge for the society. With increasing life expectancy and a growing elderly population, many families face the difficult question: home care or nursing home? This article aims to provide comprehensive information and assist in making an informed decision.
Current Situation for Elderly Care in Israel:
As of 2023, approximately 12% of Israel’s population is 65 years or older, and this number is expected to grow to 14% by 2030. This reality poses significant challenges to the healthcare and welfare systems.
The Dilemma in Elderly Care in Israel: Home vs. Institution
On one hand, the desire to keep our loved ones in the familiar environment of their home is natural and understandable. On the other hand, the need for 24/7 professional care and the desire to ensure their safety can lead to considering other options.
Challenges of Home Care
- High costs: Hiring a 24/7 caregiver can be very expensive, especially in a market where demand far exceeds supply.
- Caregiver shortage: There is a growing shortage of professional caregivers, especially foreign workers. The quality of caregivers is decreasing while their demands are increasing.
- Caregiver turnover: Often, due to the difficulties in caregiving, caregivers leave and sometimes even flee.
- Family burden: Even with a full-time caregiver, the family still bears a significant burden of managing events between the caregiver and the elderly person.
- Loneliness: Often, the elderly person remains lonely at home without sufficient social interaction.
- Language and cultural barriers: With foreign caregivers, communication and cultural gaps can arise.
Advantages of Modern Nursing Homes
- 24/7 professional care: Medical and nursing staff always available.
- Social activities: Daily enrichment programs and social interactions.
- Adapted infrastructure: Buildings and facilities tailored to the needs of the elderly.
- Peace of mind for the family: Knowing that your loved one is well cared for and safe.
- Additional services: Tailored meals, laundry services, cleaning, and more.
Intermediate Solution: Assisted Living and Early Transition
One of the currently recommended strategies is an early transition to assisted living, at ages 70-75, when the elderly person is still relatively healthy. The advantages include:
- Gradual adaptation: Allows the elderly to adapt to the new environment gradually and move from one framework to another according to physical and cognitive deterioration.
- Informed choice: The elderly can actively participate in choosing the right place for them. The selection process is done thoughtfully and without pressure.
- Long-term planning: Allows for gradual adjustment of care level over the years.
- Creating social connections: Opportunity to form new relationships in a supportive environment.
Example of Elderly Care in Israel: Successful Transition to a Nursing Home
Let’s describe the case of Jacob and Rachel, a couple in their 75s. In the past two years, they began to face health challenges: Jacob was diagnosed with early-stage Parkinson’s disease, and Rachel suffered from heart problems. They lived far from their children, and the decision to move to a nursing home was made after an in-depth family discussion and examination of alternatives.
The family decided to seek professional guidance and event management services from “HappySeniors,” and received help from a social worker specializing in geriatrics. The social worker’s contribution was significant and multidimensional:
- Reducing anxiety: Through individual and group conversations, the social worker helped alleviate concerns and reduce anxiety levels for all family members.
- Bureaucratic navigation: She led the complex process of obtaining a code from the National Insurance Institute and other authorities, saving the family valuable time and unnecessary frustration.
- Mapping options: The social worker conducted comprehensive research and provided a personalized list of quality nursing homes near the family’s residence.
- Guided tours: She accompanied the family on visits to various nursing homes, providing professional insights and asking critical questions that the family hadn’t thought of.
- Mediation and decision-making: The social worker helped bridge opinion gaps within the family and led to a joint and informed decision.
- Transition support: After selecting the nursing home, she was responsible for planning and executing the move, including coordination with the nursing home staff and ensuring a smooth reception.
This service from “HappySeniors” proved to be significant for the family, turning the complex and sensitive process of transitioning to a nursing home into a managed and supportive experience.
The move was carefully planned, including designing the new room to resemble their old home. After a year, Jacob and Rachel reported an improvement in their quality of life, enjoying the available medical care, social activities, and proximity to their children.
How to Make the Right Decision?
- Needs assessment: Examine the medical, social, and emotional needs of your loved one.
- Open conversation: Talk to your loved ones about their wishes and concerns.
- Site visits: Visit nursing homes and assisted living facilities to get a personal impression.
- Professional consultation: Talk to professionals in the field of geriatrics.
- Consider costs: Examine the financial aspects of each option.
Dealing with Guilt
Many feel guilty when considering moving their loved ones to a nursing home. It’s important to remember:
- You’re doing your best for your loved one.
- Modern nursing homes provide professional and quality care.
- The transition can improve the quality of life for your loved one and you.
Summary of Elderly Care in Israel
The decision between home care and a nursing home is complex and personal. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. However, with comprehensive information, early planning, and professional support, it’s possible to make a decision that benefits all parties.
HappySeniors Services:
HappySeniors offers a wide range of services that assist elderly people living at home and their families. Services include help in finding suitable nursing caregivers, managing medical follow-ups and personal care, and support in dealing with daily challenges.
The company also offers technological solutions that allow the elderly to stay in touch with their family members and enjoy community support, all aimed at improving their quality of life and allowing them to age in a familiar and comfortable environment. The company helps the elderly enjoy maximum support and advanced technology, thereby significantly improving their quality of life.