Sign Up to Receive PHI Alerts

ISSUE BRIEF: Meeting Care Needs of the Rising Elder Population

November 8, 2013

In a new issue brief, the Eldercare Workforce Alliance (EWA) answers several important questions about the future of eldercare in the U.S.

The brief notes that the number of professionals entering the field of eldercare is insufficient to meet the increasing demand that will be felt as a result of the rising “silver tsunami” — a reference to the huge numbers of baby boomers who will be entering retirement age in the coming years.

The issue brief also highlights the importance of person-centered home care, which is ideally provided by interdisciplinary care teams comprising a range of health care professionals, from physicians to direct-care workers.

EWA Newsletter

The Eldercare Workforce Alliance has launched an email newsletter.

Visit the EWA website and use the link at the bottom of the page to sign up for the latest news about the EWA, which works to address the growing need for a strong eldercare workforce.

The latter are particularly important in care delivery, since direct-care workers are estimated to provide an estimated 70 to 80 percent of hands-on care.

“An interdisciplinary team is the key to successful home care,” the brief states. “Direct-care workers and…family caregivers play a critical role in home care. Support for their work and training are essential to providing quality care.”

The brief suggests several ways that readers can encourage Congress to support improved care quality for elders.

— by Matthew Ozga

Caring for the Future

Our new policy report takes an extensive look at today's direct care workforce—in five installments.

Workforce Data Center

From wages to employment statistics, find the latest data on the direct care workforce.