The Rising Burden of Elder Care in the United States

The Issue: Many elderly people need long-term help with daily activities such as getting dressed, using the bathroom, eating, and getting in and out of bed, as well as with other instrumental activities such as cooking, taking medications, and grocery shopping. This eldercare can put a heavy time and psychological burden on close family and friends, while those with severe needs typically face a heavy financial burden to pay for care services, whether provided at home or in an institutional setting. Federal and state governments provide some financial support, particularly through Medicaid, but public funding is quite tightly constrained relative to peer countries, and the cost of long-term care is a major source of poverty for older people. These strains will only grow as the US population continues to age. The Facts: About 29 percent of people 65 and over in the United States report at least some limitation with their ability to conduct daily activities; the share of those reporting