The small group home: needed option for the poor elderly.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Health Services Research
• Community Health

Background:

• Many frail elderly individuals in nursing homes could thrive in less restrictive environments.
• A gap exists in transitional housing and services for older adults needing support but not intensive nursing care.
• Current Medicaid regulations often restrict options for low-income seniors, leading to unnecessary institutionalization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the organization and funding of community-based small group homes for low-income elderly individuals.
• To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of small group homes as an alternative to institutional care.
• To advocate for policy changes that support the availability of small group homes for all qualifying seniors.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing community service models and funding possibilities.
• Analysis of statistics on elderly care needs and institutionalization patterns.
• Case study of demonstration small group homes, such as those by Home Care Research in Frederick, Maryland.

Main Results:

• Small group homes foster self-direction and community integration for older adults.
• These homes provide necessary health-related services, maintenance, and assistance with activities of daily living (ADL) at approximately two-thirds the cost of nursing home care.
• Demonstration projects indicate that small group homes are both cost-effective and provide quality care.

Conclusions:

• Small group homes represent a viable and effective model for supporting the elderly outside of traditional institutional settings.
• Policy and regulatory adjustments, particularly concerning Medicaid, are needed to expand access to these beneficial housing options.
• Making small group homes universally accessible, regardless of income, is crucial for improving elder care and promoting aging in place.