Background Informal caregiving is an integral part of our health care system. The expectation that individuals care for each other is centuries old. In many cultures and societies the ill or disabled have been encouraged to care for themselves or designate a family member as custodian. Most people with functional disabilities prefer to live as independently as possible with the care of someone who knows them well.
Limitations requiring assistance occur at every age, income and educational level.
Approximately 35 million Americans have a significant disability. The majority are the elderly, the poor, and less educated. Currently 3.8 million children require non-institutional care. The prevalence increases with advancing age. Those age 85 and over comprise the fastest growing segment of our society.