Are doctor visits enough to keep elderly loved ones happy, healthy and well? According to the Administration on Aging, 23% of people aged 75+ had 10 or more visits to a doctor or other health care professional in the past year. Many say that they are happy with their care, but studies are showing that seniors may not be getting the complete continuum of care they need. When you take a look at the whole picture, in addition to their physician, you may want to consider an in-home caregiver to fill in the gaps in your loved one’s care plan. View the original infographic at the Home Helpers blog, here: http://bit.ly/1BVtLao

1. Satisfaction With Doctor
1,028 adults aged 65 said:
...satisfaction is high
but,
When asked...
How often do you leave the
doctor’s office and realize you did
not get all of your questions
answered?
After a hospital visit...
Would your doctor reach out to you to
find out what you might need and to
schedule any follow-up visits that
might be required?
In your day to day life...
Does the practice or clinic where you
get primary care contact you with
reminders about immunizations and
preventive care?
have had all of
these discussions.
7%
52%
76%
have only had
one of these
discussions.
have had fewer
than half of
these discussions.
Occassionally 20%
Always 7%
47%Rarely
26%Never
Completely Satisfied,
Medications Mood If Falls
Occured
Activities of
Daily Living
If Assistance
Is Needed
Community
Support
Avoiding Falls
Somewhat Satisfied,
Not Very Satisfied,
67%
37%
30% 28%
23% 22%
19%
One out of three
aged 65 or older
falls each year
Less than half talk to
their healthcare
providers about it
69%
3%
27%
Yes
46%
2%
52%
No
Refused
It becomes clear that...
In 2012, almost 1 in 5
hospital patients were
readmitted
(Inpatient hospital stays that started within
30 days of discharge from an initial admission
were classified as readmissions)
42%
No Yes
58%
of people over age 65 indicate
they want to stay in their home
as long as possible
The Whole Picture:
Caregivers Provide an Extra Level of Care
As your loved one ages, visits to the doctor increase. But are doctor visits enough to
keep your loved one happy, healthy and well? Many seniors say they are happy with
the medical care they receive, but studies show that there may be pieces missing
from their care plan. When you look at the whole picture, visiting the doctor might
not be enough. An in-home caregiver can provide the extra level of care that the
aging loved one in your life may need.
How Does It Feel? The Older American Health Care Experience.
A survey of 1,028 adults aged 65 and over conducted by the John A. Hartford Foundation in
March of 2012. Seniors were asked questions relating to their experiences with their primary
healthcare provider.
www.jhartfound.org/learning-center/hartford-poll-2012/
Falls Among Older Adults: An Overview
Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/falls/adultfalls.html
On Your Team: What Older Adults Think About Team Care And Medical Home Services.
A survey of 1,107 adults aged 65 and over conducted by the John A. Hartford Foundation in
January of 2014.
www.jhartfound.org/learning-center/public-poll-on-your-team-
how-older-adults-view-team-care-and-the-medical-home
Medicare & Medicaid Research Review—2013: Volume 3, Number 2
Descriptive analysis of 30-day, all-cause hospital readmission rate patterns from 2007–2012
published by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Office of Information Products &
Data Analytics.
www.cms.gov/mmrr/Downloads/MMRR2013_003_02_b01.pdf
Aging in Place: A State Survey of Livability Policies and Practices
A Research Report by the National Conference of State Legislatures and the AARP Public
Policy Institute
http://assets.aarp.org/rgcenter/ppi/liv-com/aging-in-place-2011-full.pdf
Citations
Did the doctor ask Mom about...
Although mom may
think her doctor visits
are good enough, it
might take more to
keep her well
High Readmission Rates
A caregiver could reduce
readmissions by ensuring Mom is
doing the right things to heal.
Don’t just check the boxes at the doctor’s office. Make
sure that your aging loved one has the ongoing
support they need when they return home.
In-home caregivers provide:
…Hiring an in-home caregiver makes
it possible for your loved one to age in
place at home where they are com-
fortable and happy.
A Care Plan Tailored for Mom
Medication Reminders
& Management
Companionship &
Social Connection
Transportation
& Errands
Housekeeping &
Safety Checks
Help with
Hygiene & Diet
In addition to visiting the doctor, your aging loved one
may benefit from an in-home caregiver. Caregivers can
work with your family to ensure a happier, healthier life
at home for your aging loved one.