By 2040, the US Census predicts that the number of elderly Americans over the age of 85 will more than double, reaching 14.6m, while those over the age of 65 will rise almost 60% to 82.3m. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that 3.5m home care worker jobs will exist by 2024. However, there are concerns that the necessary workforce to fulfil these needs will not be in place by that time. In addition, a recent report from McKinsey & Co found that, as many older people live longer and require less care, they may need fewer workers per household. As technology continues to replace humans in factories and behind the wheels of taxis, the nature of work is changing. Studies have found that hiring a family member or friend decreases patient stress, provides extra income and results in better patient care and satisfaction. The participant-directed model began in the 1970s, leading to experimentation from the government on training and payment for carers chosen by elderly patients. As the need for caregivers increases, the model may become more popular with both private care companies and citizens alike. With technological advances threatening employment, offering paid work that keeps patients in their native communities may be a solution to multiple problems.
By 2040, the US Census predicts that the number of elderly Americans over the age of 85 will more than double, reaching 14.6m, while those over the age of 65 will rise almost 60% to 82.3m. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that 3.5m home care worker jobs will exist by 2024. However, there are concerns that the necessary workforce to fulfil these needs will not be in place by that time. In addition, a recent report from McKinsey & Co found that, as many older people live longer and require less care, they may need fewer workers per household. Studies have found that hiring a family member or friend decreases patient stress, provides extra income and results in better patient care and satisfaction. The participant-directed model began in the 1970s, leading to experimentation from the government on training and payment for carers chosen by elderly patients. As the need for caregivers increases, the model may become more popular with both private care companies and citizens alike. With technological advances threatening employment, offering paid work that keeps patients in their native communities may be a solution to multiple problems.