We're going to run out of caregivers. People like me, you and your neighbor. No, not tomorrow or by the end of the week - but soon. Too soon. In 2010, there were seven people (or potential care givers) for every person over 80. By 2030, there will be four people for every person over 80 and by 2050 there will be fewer than three. These numbers are from a recent AARP report, that looked at the number of "aging-in-place" caregivers in the United States. (Aging-in-place means that an aging individual remains at home as opposed to being moved into a common care facility.) Care for those aging-in-place is generally provided by children, who themselves are aging quickly.
Baby Boomers are particularly effected. Boomer women had fewer children than the generations before them and some have opted out of having children at all. The Senate Aging Committee is looking at a novel solution to the looming problem. Senator Bob Casey is drafting a plan to form a National Caregiver Corps.
This is from the Committee:
"Volunteers who participate in the program would receive specific guidelines and structure from the Department of Health and Human Services in order to provide assistance to families by "cleaning, preparing food or even shopping for people who want to remain at home" as they age, as well as respite care for existing family caregivers. The proposal also includes providing volunteers with a stipend, tuition credit or even academic credits."
What do you think? Is a Caregiver Corps a good idea? Leave a comment below and let me know your opinion. As always, I will share them with our elected officials.
For a complete downloadable PDF copy of the AARP report, click here.
Take Care and Stay Healthy!
Debbie Carroll
Founder, The Senior Sage
Baby Boomers are particularly effected. Boomer women had fewer children than the generations before them and some have opted out of having children at all. The Senate Aging Committee is looking at a novel solution to the looming problem. Senator Bob Casey is drafting a plan to form a National Caregiver Corps.
This is from the Committee:
"Volunteers who participate in the program would receive specific guidelines and structure from the Department of Health and Human Services in order to provide assistance to families by "cleaning, preparing food or even shopping for people who want to remain at home" as they age, as well as respite care for existing family caregivers. The proposal also includes providing volunteers with a stipend, tuition credit or even academic credits."
What do you think? Is a Caregiver Corps a good idea? Leave a comment below and let me know your opinion. As always, I will share them with our elected officials.
For a complete downloadable PDF copy of the AARP report, click here.
Take Care and Stay Healthy!
Debbie Carroll
Founder, The Senior Sage
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