Nearly 1 in 4 Americans Say the U.S. Health Care System Is in Crisis — and the Home Is Becoming a Safer Haven
Nearly one-quarter of Americans say the U.S. health care system is in a state of crisis, according to a recent Gallup poll, with high costs cited as the most urgent national health concern. The perception spans party lines, with majorities of Democrats and Republicans agreeing the system has serious problems.
While many Americans technically have health insurance, affordability remains a major barrier. Rising premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket expenses are forcing people to delay or avoid care, increasing the likelihood that manageable conditions turn into serious medical emergencies. For many families, a single fall, injury, or unexpected illness could result in overwhelming medical bills.
As concerns about cost and access continue to grow, more Americans are looking for ways to reduce health risks before medical intervention is required. One increasingly important solution is creating a safer home environment.
Home modifications can reduce health-related risks by helping prevent falls, injuries, and accidents—some of the leading causes of emergency room visits among seniors and individuals with mobility challenges. These preventive measures often cost far less than hospitalization, rehabilitation, or long-term care.
Simple improvements such as zero-threshold showers, grab bars, wider doorways, improved lighting, and safer entrances can make everyday activities safer and more manageable. These changes allow individuals to age in place, maintain independence, and rely less on an already strained and expensive health care system.
In a time when Americans increasingly view health care as costly and uncertain, the home is emerging as a critical part of the solution—offering
safety, independence, dignity, and peace of mind when it matters most.
