The Turning Tide

“In coming decades, the United States is expected to shift from a youth-dependent population toward an old aged-dependent population.”

-United States Census Bureau, 2020

Close-up of a young person's hands guiding an elderly person's hands, which are resting on their lap, both hands joined together in a supportive gesture.

The need for caregiving is rapidly rising and expected to reach levels never before seen in the United States. Several factors are contributing to this growing demand for solutions, and a multitude of elderly have found themselves with limited options for assistance. Click each section below for more detail.

  • By 2030, all baby boomers will be 65 or older. Those 85 years and older is expected to nearly double from 6.5 million to 11.8 million by 2035.

  • More than ever, vulnerable elderly are residing alone. The world has changed drastically during their lifetimes.

    Increased prevalence of family relocations and decades of rising divorce rates have greatly impacted the traditional support structure.

    With a rising elderly population, the prevalence of widows/widowers will also increase. For those without children or close family, help is needed.

  • Lack of personal care negatively affects health outcomes. Those without aid have a significantly higher risk for falls, infections, nutritional deficiencies, and poor management of chronic health conditions.

    This not only impacts the individual without care. The strain on the healthcare system and supporting structures is an immediate call to action that affects us all.

  • Caregivng services are not covered by Medicare or supplemental health insurance plans.

    State programs for aid are available only for those who’s annual income falls below the poverty level. The high demand for care has resulted in long waiting lists, which leaves those in need without necessary services.

    “Near-poor” and even middle class individuals who do not qaulify for government aid have limited options. Much of the time, they cannot afford the additional cost of private-pay caregiving services.

  • Community programs are vital in providing supplemental support. These programs include:

    • Day Centers

    • Volunteer Services

    • Church Programs

    • Meal Delivery Services

    At present, caregiving programs for ongoing personal care assistance are few and far between.