The current context and growing demand
The baby boomer generation, shaped by major socio-cultural events, aspires to a well-deserved retirement, synonymous with independence and conviviality. Unfortunately, these desires often contradict the reality of nursing homes (EHPADs), which are perceived as restrictive and impersonal.
The specific needs of the elderly
Aging doesn’t have to mean giving up your independence or quality of life. The demand for alternatives to nursing homes reflects this desire to combine assistance and freedom, especially when the cost of a nursing home can be around €2,010 per month in 2022, i.e. 14% more than the average income of a retiree.
The different alternatives to the retirement home
Home care
- Home help services: Seniors who wish to stay at home can turn to structures that offer services ranging from toileting to meal delivery. Home care services, such as nurses’ interventions, complete this offer.
- Intergenerational cohabitation: A win-win concept where seniors share their home with students in exchange for various services.
Senior Assisted Living Residences
- The concept and benefits: These establishments are distinguished by a more luxurious offer than that of traditional nursing homes. In some cases, seniors can even become homeowners.
- The different services offered: In addition to common areas, residents benefit from medical services and home help.
Family care for the elderly
- How it works and what it benefits: A popular alternative, family care sees the senior integrated into a family’s home, thus benefiting from a warm environment and constant support.
Shared housing or co-housing
- The principle of community life: From sharing a residence between seniors to self-managed participatory housing, these solutions emphasize collective life.
- The advantages of co-housing: Beyond the financial economy, co-housing offers a response to isolation, promoting social interactions.
A new look at home help for seniors
Petits-fils, a company active in the home care sector, offers a complete range of services designed to support elderly people facing autonomy challenges. This service is based on several axes.
Firstly, the autonomy of seniors is at the heart of our concerns. The services offered include help getting up and going to bed, assistance with toileting, accompaniment during meals and a night-time presence if necessary.
Then, in terms of help with daily living, the company offers support in shopping, meal preparation, home maintenance and laundry care. They also offer accompaniment during medical visits, ensuring support during these crucial moments.
Another fundamental aspect of Grands-fils’ offer is companionship and social life. The services include walks, cultural outings, but also more intimate moments such as board games, reading or manual activities. This demonstrates a willingness to go beyond the simple material framework to touch on the human and social aspect of care.
In addition, in the digital age in which we live, Petits-fils integrates administrative assistance, ranging from mail management, to administrative formalities and even help with online procedures.
It should be noted that the company insists on the quality of its services, stressing that they are provided by professionals, whether they are caregivers for daily support or personal secretaries for administrative assistance. In addition, an immediate tax credit advance system would, according to the brand, make it possible to reduce the cost of home help services by half.
However, as with any offer, it is essential for each family or individual to properly assess their needs and inform themselves in detail before committing.
Criteria for choosing the best alternative
- Assess individual needs: Every Senior is unique. Their choice will depend on their needs in terms of health, autonomy and social life.
- Consider the budget: With costs sometimes prohibitive, it is essential to evaluate your resources carefully before taking the plunge.
- Consider the senior’s wishes: More than anything, it is the will of the senior that must guide the final choice.
Faced with an ageing population, France must innovate. Solutions exist, but they still need to be adapted to the realities of each senior. The path is clear; It’s up to us to follow it.
