Press Release: The Silent Struggles of Homebound Seniors Amidst a Growing Crisis
Carolyn Dickens, a 76-year-old lung cancer survivor from Harlem, embodies the plight of homebound seniors across the U.S. Despite receiving care from Mount Sinai’s Visiting Doctors Program, Dickens grapples with severe respiratory issues, high blood pressure, and dangerous isolation. With about 2 million older adults being either completely or mostly homebound, the urgent needs of this demographic are often overlooked by policymakers.
A staggering study from JAMA Internal Medicine revealed that nearly 40% of homebound seniors endure five or more chronic conditions, and around 30% are likely living with dementia. Many live alone, making them susceptible to neglect and health crises. During the pandemic, this already vulnerable group faced heightened risks, and experts warn that without regular medical check-ups, homebound seniors have a higher chance of preventable hospitalizations.
Dr. Peter Gliatto, who leads the Mount Sinai program, visits seniors like Dickens and other isolated individuals. He emphasizes the need for home-based primary care, which only 12% of older adults who rarely leave home currently receive. His team of healthcare professionals faces funding challenges as healthcare reimbursements lag behind operational costs.
Through compassionate visits, they offer vital support to seniors like Sandra Pettway, 79, who battles severe spinal issues and loneliness, and Marianne Gluck Morrison, 73, who recently struggled with diabetic foot wounds and vertigo. Both women face substantial barriers to ongoing care as their limited resources leave them without consistent in-home support once Medicare services expire.
As the aging population expands, experts advocate for increasing at-home medical care options. Without dedicated family or community support, many seniors risk exacerbating their already frail health conditions. With the aging population projected to have soaring homecare demands, addressing these critical gaps is more essential than ever.
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