Boomers Increase Caregiver Demand
Demand for home-based caregiving is expected to double by 2050 as the baby boomer generation ages. This expected shortage will limit access to caregivers.
A report released by the International Longevity Center USA and the Schmieding Center for Senior Health and Education found that 20% of elderly patients currently lack access to family and professional caregiving and that the shortage will explode in the future. In addition, this report, titled “Caregiving in America,” reveals that caregiver wages are among the lowest in America, an indication that U.S. residents most likely will not be willing to take these low-wage jobs in the future. Nursing aides received an average hourly wage of $10 in 2004, plus unskilled, home-based caregivers received an even lower average hourly wage, according to the report. Another report released by the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging shows that nearly half of U.S. cities have no plans whatsoever to meet the health care and other needs of aging baby boomers.
Researchers surveyed more than 1,790 U.S. cities, and they found that one-third do not provide any access to counseling on prescription drugs, health screenings, or health education for elderly residents. The number of U.S. residents ages 65 and older are projected to reach almost 72 million by 2030.
Caregiver Health
More than 2.5 million home-based, family caregivers experience stress, depression and health declines, according to a study released by the National Alliance for Caregiving. This study included an online survey of 528 family caregivers between July 21 and July 28, 2006 as well as in-depth discussion groups and phone interviews with caregivers. About 91% of the respondents said they had experienced depression, and 72% said they had not visited their physicians as much as they needed since they began to provide care for their elderly relatives. Family caregivers “are out there without anybody helping them”, and “They could get to the point where they can’t be a long term care giver anymore.” John Crews, a senior scientist at CDC, said, “People need help and respite. They need a break, and they need knowledge”.
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soooo who is going to provide the care? Where are we going to get people to work for these low wages? With no one to provide ose?the care why a policy that can’t fulfill its purpose its promise?
The International Longevity Center USA and the Schmieding Center for Senior Health and Education report says “20% of elderly patients currently lack access to family and professional caregiving”….in the home.
They lack access for home-based care by:
1) not having money to pay for qualified care
2) not having family or friends that are willing or able to be caregivers
While it is true and a sad state of affairs that caregivers are amongst the lowest paid jobs in the U.S., it is not necessarily true that there will be a shortage of caregivers for those who can afford to pay decent caregivers’ wages. Why?
One factor that might be skewing this report’s findings is that there is a “black market” of caregivers. These are people who do not work through agencies, usually are not licensed, and would not be counted in a report. While it is cheaper to hire these caregivers, because one does not pay a “cut” to an agency, there is no way of knowing if these caregivers have criminal backgrounds or complaints against them. While some black market caregivers may be wonderful, you take your chances.
Even though Americans may balk at making less than $10 per hour for hard work, there are people in other countries who welcome the opportunity. Even now, people are immigrating to the U.S. who are willing to fill our caregiving needs. Many are coming from India, a country that values it’s elders much more than we do here in the U.S. In a way, I’d rather be taken care of by someone who has been raised to honor their elders, rather than by someone who has been brainwashed by our media to worship youth and denigrate or ignore the wisdom, experience and, yes, needs of the aged or differently-abled.
It is obvious that Americans also do not value caregivers enough to demand that they be paid well. Even “unskilled” caregivers need to make a living wage. As it stands now, some caregiving agencies take the bulk of the money they charge their clients, while paying the caregiver a fraction of their “take”. I equate agencies such as these to a pimp and prostitute relationship. Pay your workers well, agencies, and we will not have the problem we do today.
It’s time for Americans to wake up and see the problems that are at hand. Protecting yourself with Long Term Care insurance can make sure that you do not have to be a burden to your family or depend upon black market caregivers during one of your most vulnerable and dependent times of life.