The Cost of Aging and the Burden on Female Caregivers

Getting older comes with a price. As the U.S. population ages, more seniors are opting to remain in their homes and communities instead of relocating to long-term care facilities. This “aging in place” movement will increase the demand for caregivers and home health aides. The cost of each of these services can be burdensome on members of the aging population and their families. Due to the rising costs of long-term care, family caregivers provide a large portion of unpaid care. In 2009, family caregivers provided more than $470 billion in unpaid care, which was more than four times what was spent by Medicaid on long-term services and almost seven times what individuals spent using private insurance. Many individuals older than 65 survive on an income that is 200 percent below the poverty line and, as a result, are dependent on Medicaid funds or on family members for unpaid care. The majority of aging Americans cover health care expenses with Medicare. However, as health care costs continue to increase, more of the aging population will be dependent on unpaid family care. The question is, who in these families will be responsible for providing this care? Though men do provide help to family members, most caregivers are women. They spend as much as 50 percent more time caring for loved ones than men do. This work has a huge impact on women’s financial stability and health. Female caregivers often sacrifice professional progress in order to care for older family members. O...
Source: Disruptive Women in Health Care - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Blog Source Type: blogs