As the baby boomer generation begins to retire and grow older, demand for elder care services is projected to skyrocket. The increasing demand, sometimes referred to as the silver tsunami, will put increasing strains on the US health care system. At least one state, Michigan, is conducting studies in the hopes of reforming health care systems to handle the demand.
According to the report, there will be an explosion in the need for elderly care services in the near future. In Michigan, adults 65 and older will represent 20% of the population by 2030. By 2050, the number of adults 85 and older will double. Notably, this age group is the fastest growing age group in the country.
The president and CEO of Aging Services of Michigan said “Michigan’s long-term care system is under assault and has been for a long time . . . the need for senior services is increasing, while funding and state support is eroding.”
The study also notes that while women in the past handled the majority of elder care services within a family, that is no longer the case. In many families, both spouses have full time jobs, and many women now earn more than their husbands, making it less likely they can step back from their jobs to provide elder care.
The tsunami is not here yet, but there should be no doubt it is coming. While individual families may be able to handle caring for an elder parent, not every family will. Now is the time to engage in conversations with friends, colleagues, and your local representatives about the need for increased public funding for elder care.
(photo: soylentgreen23)
Related posts:
- Health Care Bill Changes Medicare and Medicaid
- Spikes in Insurance Rates Buttress the Need for Health Care Reform
- Preparing for the Silver Tsunami
- Reforming Medicaid for Assisted Living Homes
Randall Ryder is consumer rights attorney in Minnesota, where he suesabusive debt collectors and is a publisher of Elder Parent Help.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Yes as people at the later stage of life wants to live with their loving family and home care for elderly is a boom and home care agencies are growing very fast.
I agree with James. Home care is the best option for elderly people. Home care agencies provide all facilities to your parents at the home.
Home Help is a best solution for elders. They are able in the familiar environment of their own home to stay, but have greater piece of mind. They will have more control over the decisions in life that can mean so much. As all know that nursing home is just a place, where they are going to wait for death. Staying in their own home as long as is possible can mean a great deal with many elderly people.