According to Terri Fried, M.D., geriatric medicine specialist at Yale, assumptions have been made about older persons' wishes, but they have never been directly asked which environment they prefer. Published in the May 22 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine , the study found that people aged 65 or older with acute illnesses do have varied preferences.
Home is a viable option only if it provides outcomes equally as good as the hospital.
But if the home and hospital provide the same outcomes, many would still prefer hospitalization. Those preferring hospital care were most likely to change their preference if physician house calls were provided and if their doctors thought home would be a better option. Dr. Fried said site preference is highly correlated with perceptions. Those preferring home care view the home as a comfortable place for care, while those preferring the hospital view the hospital as more comfortable and safer. This group also believes that treatment at home would place a burden on their families and friends.