California’s older adult population is growing rapidly. Over four million people will be added to the 65+ age group by 2030, an increase of 87% from 2012. In fact, by 2030 nearly 20% of Californians will be age 65 or older.
In the same period, the population of older adults facing self-care difficulties will double to approximately one million. Fifty percent of older adults will be widowed, divorced or separated, or never have married, and many families will be geographically dispersed across the country and the globe. More than half of Californians 65 and older rely on social security for 80% or more of their income.
National survey data indicate that 76% of older adults prefer to age in place rather than transition to institutional care. For older adults to age in place with dignity and respect, an engaged community and a fully integrated person-centered team (physical, behavioral, and social factors) is needed.
The team includes geriatricians and other physicians, nurses, NPs, PAs, social workers, pharmacists, nutritionists, direct care workers, mental health providers, physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists, and caregivers.
A critical component of this care team is the home care worker, who provides assistance with social, medical, and household activities without which many older adults would require institutional care. Given demographic trends, anticipated increases in demand and the growing desire to age in place, it is estimated that an additional 600,000 home care workers will be needed by 2030.
Home Care Aide Training 