The main problem the Eldercare industry faces today is one of supply and demand. Simply put, there are not enough caregivers to meet today’s demand. This problem will only get worse as baby boomers begin to enter their later senior years, in what is colloquially being called “The Gray Tsunami.”
The biggest hurdle may be the one that is most difficult to solve. Historically, the eldercare industry has been a field that does not pay a great deal. Because of that, fewer and fewer people tend to get into the industry. As we all tend to live longer, the need for workers in the industry increases. Since the pay rate does not keep pace, fewer workers are joining the industry. Likewise, many seniors do not have the funds to increase the amount they are able to pay caregivers.
The Hurdles of the Eldercare System
Most older people that require eldercare would like to stay at home in what is known as “aging in place.” That means finding someone qualified to take care of their unique needs. These caregivers must be able to pay close and special attention to their charge’s needs and aid with nonmedical activities of daily living (ADLs).
The problem beyond the specialized care provided is that this job is difficult. It is demanding physically as well as mentally. If the person you are caregiving for has dementia, for example, this presents a whole new range of problems which can be draining. Even though the job is extremely taxing, the pay rates are often not much higher than minimum wage; one can begin to see the issue. Because of these two factors, the eldercare industry has an extraordinarily high employee turnover. While the job can be a strain, those in the industry do find fulfillment in their work.
What Can Be Done to Fix the Problem?
It is widely acknowledged that better pay, training, and benefits are the solution. The question becomes how to make that happen. In an industry where those that need care often cannot afford to pay more, how do companies make the numbers work?
Adding to the problem is the demand currently in place for low-wage workers. Huge companies like Amazon and Walmart take enormous bites out of a workforce that otherwise might find interest in caregiving. Tight labor markets that presently exist exacerbate this problem.
How Immigration Laws Play a Role
It may seem like immigration policy has very little to do with the eldercare industry. The reality is, about 1 in 4 home caregivers come from another country. As immigration laws change and become stricter, the eldercare industry becomes even more strained. These people are sometimes the only ones that take these low-wage jobs. With fewer of these people joining the industry, the labor pool becomes even more strained.
How Technology Can Help
The boom that is forecast to occur in the eldercare industry has tech companies interested. Technology manufacturers are looking to get into the game with items like voice-activated devices and smart speakers leading the charge.
There are items like smartwatches and medical alerts worn by those in need of care. They can send medical updates to practitioners. They could also contact medical personnel in case of an emergency.
The advance of telemedicine could take the place of frequent doctor visits. Even robots that can dispense medicine and serve as companions for those needing care.
The Path Forward
Some breakthroughs are occurring that can help soften the blow of a worker shortage, butthe sad reality is that none of this can replace human caregivers. What a well-trained caregiver can provide to someone in need is hard to duplicate. The shortage of workers and increased demand will only get worse over time. The solutions are plain to see, yet quite challenging to achieve.
Written by Charles Davenport for Senior Planning. Senior Planning offers free services to seniors looking to move into assisted living, care homes, and independent living.
