AARP report on aging in place in KY
Here’s an excerpt:
Kentucky AARP Members want to Age in Place
As the population of Kentucky ages, many people will be dealing with the issue of
long-term care. In 2020, there will be nearly 5 million Kentuckians age 65 and older.
This influx of older residents will result in a greater need for long-term care options.
As this survey shows, AARP members age 55 and older in Kentucky want a choice in
where and how they receive long-term care, and they want to stay in their own homes
as they age. Members support the state putting additional funds into home- and
community-based services so that they have at-home options, even if this means the
state reduces funding for nursing homes. The State should consider transferring funds
from unused nursing home beds to home- and community-based care options.
● Eighty-five percent of members support increasing funds for services that help
people stay in their homes as they age. In addition, 87 percent support using
money that would otherwise go to nursing homes for home- and community-based
services. Over half say they would be more likely to vote for a candidate for office
who works to give people choices in their long-term care.
● Kentucky members want to age in their homes. Over nine in ten say it is
important for them to stay at home for as long as possible. Seventy-eight percent
say it is important for them to choose how and where they receive long-term care
services.
● Members are not confident of their ability to pay for long-term care in a
nursing home or with a home health aide. About half of members say that they
are not at all or not very confident that they could afford needed long-term care.