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[Where shall we live if we lose our independence?]
Schweizerische Rundschau Fur Medizin Praxis = Revue Suisse De Medecine Praxis
|April 11, 1989
Summary
Most elderly individuals desire to age in place with support. When needing more care, they prefer community-based housing options over rural institutions, indicating a need for better-informed choices and accessible local facilities.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Sociology
- Public Health
Background:
- Housing conditions for the elderly are improving but disparities persist.
- Poorer elderly individuals disproportionately face disadvantages in housing quality.
- Many elderly live in older buildings lacking essential amenities like elevators and laundry facilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the current housing conditions of elderly individuals.
- To understand elderly preferences for future housing and care arrangements.
- To identify potential gaps in information and services for elderly housing.
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted among 730 elderly individuals.
- Data collected focused on housing amenities, building characteristics, and future care preferences.
- Analysis included preferences for aging in place, specialized housing, and institutional care.
Main Results:
- 66% of elderly wish to remain in their homes with adequate support if independence declines.
- For severe handicaps, preferences include pensions (41%), special care housing (30%), and accessible flats (12%).
- A strong preference exists for local, community-integrated housing over isolated rural institutions.
Conclusions:
- There is a significant demand for in-home support services to facilitate aging in place.
- Elderly individuals show a desire for specialized housing options that offer care and community integration.
- Improved information and development of accessible, community-based elderly housing are needed.