Care Giving: A Major Occupation In The United States

Looking At The Numbers

• 70% of people turning age 65 can expect to use some form of long-term care during their lives. (U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services)
• By 2030, the older population is projected to be twice as large as it was in 2000 – growing from 35 million to 71.5 million people. (2009 Long Term Care Insurance Sourcebook, American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance)
• The population 65 years and older is increasing as a percent of total population. Of the older population with long-term care needs, about 30% have substantial long-term care needs. Of these, about 25% are 85 and older, and 70% report they are in fair to poor health. (Long-term Care: Medicaid's role and challenges, Publication #2172, The Henry J. Kaiser Foundation)
• 40% of the older population with long-term care needs are poor or near poor (with incomes below 150% of the federal poverty level). (Long-Term Care: Medicaid's role and challenges, Publication #2172, The Henry J. Kaiser Foundation)

There are over 44 million caregivers, or one out of every five households, involved in care giving to persons 18 years of age or older. 34 million caregivers provide care to someone 50 years of age or older. (Caregiving in the U.S., National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP)

By 2050, the number of individuals using paid long-term care services in any setting – at home, residential care such as assisted living, or skilled nursing facilities – will likely double to 27 million people from the 13 million who were using long-term care services in 2000. This estimate is influenced by growth in the population of older people in need of care. (The future supply of long-term care workers in relation to the aging baby boom generation: Report to Congress, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Labor)

We can heed the warning that's clearly in front of us or we can put our heads in the sand and believe we have other, more pressing problems and challenges.

Today we affect what we experience tomorrow. 

Those with loved ones in Long Term Care, be vigilant and be relentless in your observation, review and communication about your facility using technology as your ally and best defense when you cannot get the consistent quality of care and life for your loved one through going up the chain of command at a facility. 

Those who care for loved ones in their home or yours, you need assistance but you also need to ensure safety and well being. Do a thorough check and be vigilant. 

Remember: You/your loved one, is the customer/the consumer, whether direct pay or paid for through a group, organization or even Medicaid (we pay the taxes, it's money out of public pockets)