Caregiver Shortages Will Worsen as Aging Baby Boomers Increase Demand..
October 1, 2006
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 wages 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”.
In any case, care will get much more expensive, and long term care insurance is the best way to assure funds for your future care. You can get free comparative rate quotes online from the Buyer’s Advocate website.
Technorati Tags: baby boomer, caregivers, caregiver, baby boomers, counseling, prescription drugs, elderly, stress, depression, long term care, respite, long term care insurance
Who Needs Long Term Care?
September 26, 2006
These shocking facts had better wake up America’s baby boomer generation to plan now for eventual long term care. There’s no way around it…
Medicaid Change Destroys Family Unit - Long Term Care Insurance Needed.
September 10, 2006
Medicaid budget cuts will disproportionately hurt those who can least afford it, especially the frail, sick and elderly in need of long term care. The culprit behind this impending social crisis is an imminent and dramatic change to some states’ Medicaid eligibility. [Read more]
Find Nursing Homes Online..
September 8, 2006
Find Nursing Homes Online [Read more]
The Push for Long Term Care Alternatives..
September 6, 2006
As the nation prepares for the retirement of the post-World War II baby boomer generation, we must consider revamping how we provide and pay for long-term care. Government should reinforce services that allow people to stay in their own homes and communities. [Read more]
New Long Term Care Study Reveals Huge Future Needs
September 3, 2006
Americans living longer face risks of needing long-term care as they age. Individuals currently turning age 65 face an average of 3 years of need for long term care sometime before they die, with 1 in 5 expected to need 5 years of care or more. This is according to a brand new study led by a Penn State researcher. [Read more]
Technorati Tags: long-term care
“There are four kinds of people in the world:
August 5, 2006
“There are four kinds of people in the world:
Those who have been caregivers,
Those who are currently caregivers,
Those who will be caregivers.
And those who will need caregivers.”
- Former First Lady, Rosalynn Carter
on caregiving
Long Term Care insurance helps you get the care you deserve without being a burden on your family. Get your free, comparative rate quotes through your Buyer’s Advocate.
Technorati Tags: caregivers, caregiving, Long Term Care insurance
Long Term Care Now a MAJOR Family Concern..
August 1, 2006
Most Americans eventually face two choices: either dip into savings to pay for long term care costs, or do without, if possible. But doing without often requires depending on family members to provide some or all the care.
Technorati Tags: family
Heads Up, Ladies! Why Women Bear Far Greater Risks and Costs of Long Term Care..
July 28, 2006
Today’s Facts:
1. Women Face Over a 60% Greater Chance of Entering a Nursing Home than Men.
2. In 7 of 10 Instances in America, Women are the Care Providers in Unpaid Long Term Care Situations.
Technorati Tags: Nursing Home, Long Term Care
Quality Long Term Care Ensured by Ombudsmen..
July 19, 2006
The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program is a program that helps ensure quality care for residents of skilled nursing and assisted-living facilities. And who else fills these shoes? No one…
