Aging population's demand for care soars in Calif. while Oregon puts in place new long-term care insurance rules

Oct 18 2012

News outlets report on the growing need for long-term care and offer insights into the home care workforce.

California Healthline: AARP Study: California Faces Soaring Demand For Long-Term Care
California faces soaring demand for long-term care services, with a senior population expected to surge 90% by 2032, according to a new study by AARP. The number of seniors age 85 and over -- those most likely to need long-term care -- will grow by 78%, significantly faster than the U.S. average, the report said. Most people in that demographic category live below 250% of the federal poverty line and will probably qualify for need-based long-term care and other forms of public support, AARP researchers predicted (Hart, 10/15).

Kaiser Health News: Putting The 'Care' Into Long-Term Care Insurance
Oregon, for example, has new rules on how to appeal a denial on a long-term care insurance claim. Previously, the only way to appeal a decision was in court, an arduous process for a person who may be elderly, sick and in a nursing home (Foden-Vencil, 10/17).

Meanwhile, NPR offers a pair of stories exploring issues related to the home care workforce -  

NPR: Home Health Aides Often As Old As Their Clients
As America ages, its 2.5 million home health workers are graying right along with the clients they care for. And by all accounts, these older workers are especially well suited to the job (Ludden, 10/17).

NPR: Home Health Aides In Demand, Yet Paid Little
The home care workforce -; some 2.5 million strong -; is one of the nation's fastest growing yet also worst paid. Turnover is high, and with a potential labor shortage looming as the baby boomers age, there are efforts to attract more people to the job. One such effort plays out in a large, sunny room in a Bronx high-rise, where Cooperative Home Care Associates holds an extensive, monthlong training program. On a recent day, two dozen women paired off at rows of hospital beds. As instructors coached them, they took turns lifting each other in a mechanical sling, or gently stretching each other's limbs, as is commonly done for stroke patients (Ludden, 10/16).