What Are Trends in Senior Health Care?

The pandemic accelerated digital health adoption in senior care, with older adults increasingly using video calls and telehealth services. As today’s seniors become more tech-savvy, this shift is reshaping how they interact with healthcare systems.

According to Health Tech Magazine’s analysis of senior care trends for 2022, three major developments are reshaping the industry.

Hospital-at-Home Model Expansion

Healthcare organizations are increasingly shifting acute care delivery to residential settings through virtual care technologies. An AARP survey revealed that 76% of adults ages 50 and older said they prefer to stay in their homes and communities, aging in place rather than moving to an independent living community. The American Hospital Association notes this model can reduce costs, improve outcomes, and enhance patient experience through telehealth and remote monitoring.

Tech Concierge Roles

As seniors adopt more technology, including texting, email, smartphones, and wearable devices, organizations are creating dedicated support positions to help older adults navigate these tools. AARP data showed that nearly half of surveyed seniors increased their video chat usage during the pandemic, a trend expected to continue.

Consumer-Driven Health Empowerment

Wearables and health apps are placing medical data directly in patients’ hands, enabling greater involvement in healthcare decisions. This consumerization trend empowers older adults to take active roles in selecting technologies for independent living communities and managing their own health information more independently.

These trends point to a future where seniors have more control over their healthcare and more options for aging in place. Planning for these possibilities should be part of your overall elder law and estate planning strategy.

If you have questions about elder law or planning for aging in place, do not hesitate to contact The Stegall Law Firm for a consultation.