Final answer:
Residential care facilities serving older adults unable to live independently are called assisted living facilities. The rising senior population has increased demand for such services, and cultural, financial, and technological factors influence the availability and quality of elder care.
Step-by-step explanation:
Residential care facilities that provide housing, meals, personal care, and supportive services to older persons and disabled adults who are unable to live independently are known as assisted living facilities or sometimes referred to as elder care centers. The rising senior population in the United States, particularly as Baby Boomers retire, has increased the demand for these facilities. Assisted living facilities offer a continuum of care that may range from help with daily activities to more comprehensive medical and nursing care. As noted by Bookman and Kimbrel (2011), the financial burdens of elder care, combined with cultural differences in how aging is treated, can lead to gaps in care in the U.S., especially as many middle-class families face challenges in funding professional healthcare.
Despite the technology adoption by some seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic, access to technology remains a significant challenge for a considerable number of elderly individuals. Having the necessary social services to support the use of technology is essential to maintain their connection to the world. As healthcare continues to improve and life expectancy increases, the need for adequate elder care, including assisted living options and technological support, will become even more critical, with implications on the economy and social institutions.