Michigan and the United States have an aging population, and policy preferences are encouraging the elderly to receive better care at home.
In addition to putting increased pressure on Michigan’s long-term care workforce, delivering more care at home enlists an often-forgotten health care team member: the family.
According to a new Pew Research study, four in 10 – almost half – of all U.S. adults are caring for a sick or elderly family member. This is an increase from 30% of U.S. adults from a similar survey three years ago.
These essential health care team members are heavily connected to the internet, turning to technology – including smartphone and tablet apps – to navigate a complicated and fragmented health care system.
Improving team-based care and ensuring families are part of the team is essential to providing high-quality care to an aging population.