The pandemic has taken its toll on consumer confidence in facility-based care, according to research from healthcare consulting firm Transcend Strategy Group. The firm, which is a member of the National Association for Home Care & Hospice, surveyed 1,000 family healthcare decision-makers across the country and found that two-thirds of respondents say they plan to use in-home care rather than facility-based care, even once the pandemic ends.
Among family caregivers surveyed, 65% said COVID-19 has completely changed their opinions about the best way to care for older adults, 68% said they don’t agree that quality care can be provided in congregate care settings, and 78% said they are concerned their loved one will contract COVID-19 in a long-term care facility.
“Clearly, there has been a loss of confidence and trust in facilities’ care, sparked by COVID-19,” Stan Massey, Transcend partner and lead consultant, told McKnight’s Senior Living’s Kim Bonvissuto. “Facilities, I think, need to work to rebuild that trust.”
Transcend’s survey, in which less than a quarter of respondents indicated they have a loved one who resides in an assisted living community, varies greatly, however, from a survey conducted in July by the American Seniors Housing Association. ASHA’s preliminary findings suggested that the pandemic hasn’t much affected consumer sentiment toward senior living communities.
Check out another article from McKnight’s Senior Living for additional details on the Transcend survey.
