Growth of the on-line home healthcare products industry

With a large, rapidly aging segment of the US population, home healthcare is becoming an alternative to nursing homes’ rise in cost. New resources, many of which are available online, allow seasoned as well as novice caregivers the supplies for elder home healthcare, not previously at their disposal.

Between 1993 and 1999, most states experienced a drop in nursing home population. But with the abundance of nursing home reform in the late 90’s, this became a preferred option. While only 12% of nursing home residents are between the ages of 65 and 74, 45% are over 85 years of age. It was once estimated that anyone over 65 years of age would have a 43% chance of spending at least some time in a nursing home. This statistic is shifting however.

In the past few years, not only have many home medical supplies become readily available at the consumer level, but prices have become quite competitive as well. Everything from compression garments to portable blood pressure monitors to ostomy supplies can be purchased discreetly, inexpensively and conveniently online.

With the costs of “long distance” elder care continuing to rise, home healthcare is an option that allows families to not only remain close together, but present a cost efficient option as well.