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The Care Gap: The Declining Supply of Qualified Caregivers

Written by: Cypress HomeCare Solutions

Caregivers are an essential part of our social fabric. At least eight in ten seniors who receive extended care do so within their own homes, either through family members or employees of a private homecare agency. Unfortunately, years of studies have found that looming demographic changes threaten to erode that fabric. In 2010, there were approximately seven potential caregivers for every person over the age of 80. By 2030, that number will drop to 4; by 2050, it will be less than three.

The U.S. has a high percentage of Baby Boomers- people in their 50s and 60s- who are able to provide home healthcare solutions for aging parents. When these Boomers grow older, however, this pool of caregivers will essentially dry up: they will need care, but there will be fewer adult children to help out.

The other two factors contributing to the impending caregiver shortage are:

  • An increasing demand for the services of caregiver agencies due to population growth and a rise in chronic disease
  • An inadequate growth in the caregiver supply primarily due to caregiver aging, job dissatisfaction, and high divorce rates

But there is hope. The caregiving industry has been steadily evolving since the first warning signs of a shortage emerged over ten years ago. This has been done through:

  • Active recruitment of homecare solutions providers
  • Promoting the importance and honor of providing care
  • Exploring ways to better utilize caregiver resources

There are also health reform programs and initiatives that aim to curb the caregiver shortage through:

  • Financial incentives
  • The implementation of specific goals such as expanded training
  • Commitments in return for incentives via the Affordable Care Act, such as reimbursements

For these reforms and proposed solutions to be effective, more complex changes such as improving efficiency, modifying the delivery of  homecare services, and making precise use of caregivers’ specific skills. We also do not know how willing the next generation of adults will be to provide homecare solutions for its parents, and we may be pleasantly surprised.

Cypress Homecare employs a strong team of skilled home health care workers in Scottsdale AZ. We offer creative homecare solutions that are flexible, affordable, and constantly evolving to suit clients’ needs. To find out how our widely respected private homecare agency can help you, please call 602-264-8009 or Contact Us Online.

 

 

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Call (602) 264-8009 or contact us to learn more about home care services.

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