Talking Points Families, not institutions, are the major providers of long-term care, providing some 80 percent of care. The availability of family caregivers is often the deciding factor in whether an individual can remain at home or must move to a more costly nursing home. At the same time, the population is rapidly aging, and the American family is changing. Caregiver support is becoming a priority for many state governments because of the high costs of not taking any action. Formal care is defined as care provided by professionals, paraprofessionals, or volunteers associated with a service system who provide care at home, in community agencies, or in institutions or residential facilities.
Informal care is defined as care provided without pay by family, friends, or neighbors.