As the number of households caring for older adults soars, families are getting smaller. The 1990 U.S. Census found 11 potential caregivers for each person needing care. By 2050, that ratio is projected to plummet to 4 to 1.

Who Will Provide Care in the Future?

The need for family caregivers will increase in the years ahead. The number of people over 65 is expected to increase at a 2.3% rate, but the number of family members available to care for them will increase at a rate of only 0.8%. This shortage of family caregivers will have major ramifications for families, communities and health care providers.

No matter where you live–in a city, the suburbs or on a farm–family members step in to care for their spouses or aging relatives. Caring for someone with medical problems such as Alzheimer’s and other diseases takes time away from family activities and creates stress for the primary caregiver and other family members.