Final answer:
Alternatives to institutionalization are designed to keep people with age-related disabilities out of nursing homes unless they need constant care, enabling them to maintain some level of independence.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term 'alternatives to institutionalization' refers to services and settings designed to keep people with age-related disabilities from entering nursing homes if they don't need 24-hour care. These alternatives provide a variety of support arrangements that allow individuals to maintain a level of independence while still having access to the assistance they need. Examples of such services include assisted living facilities, home care services, and adult day care centers.
Living wills, retirement planning, and medical powers of attorney are tools that many people are using to make proactive decisions regarding their care as they age. These legal instruments allow individuals to outline their preferences for care in the event that they cannot communicate their wishes themselves.
In the United States, caring for the elderly is often seen as a burden, with family caregivers facing employment obligations outside the home. While some families are financially unable to afford professional healthcare services, there are significant cultural differences in how various groups view and manage elder care.