The first on-line education source

for informal caregivers (family & friends) and the value of

Cash Benefit long-term care insurance.

Informal caregivers are the backbone of support for an aging population. Informal care provided by family and friends is a major element within the realm of caregiving.  Despite the critical role of informal caregiving, not much is known about it and it is generally not included in economic statistics.

In fact, much of what we know about informal caregivers is based on national data collected by non-profit groups and other advocates.   

What we do know is that informal caregivers provide the majority of long-term care service in the U.S.  In 2000, there were 22 million unpaid informal caregivers, aiding 14 million elderly persons in the U.S. 

The number of caregivers is projected to reach approximately 40 million individuals, caring for approximately 28 million Americans, by 2050. 

This is an increase of 85% from 2000.  With this drain on the informal caregiving work force, families need to prepare for their parents’ next possible life stage.

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Source Health and Human Services and Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation. The future supply of long-term care workers in relation to the aging baby boom generation. Report to Congress. 2003 Caregiving in the United States, Washington, DC National Alliance for Caregivers and AARP 2005