Nearly All Public Opinion Polls Show that Long-Term Care is a Powerful Family Issue. Families worry about the catastrophic costs they could face if a family member should need long-term care. While older persons overwhelmingly prefer home care to nursing home care, it is the cost of nursing home care that most impacts the economic security of the family. Will Affect Family Care in the Future Long-term care costs may more than double in the next 25 years. At the same time, the population is rapidly aging, and the American family is changing.
Research shows that caregiving often exacts a heavy emotional, physical and financial toll.
Many caregivers experience immense stress and burden, high rates of depression, and feelings of anger and anxiety. Caregiving can adversely affect one's physical health and the ability to continue providing care to a loved one - leaving two impaired persons, rather than one. The emotional and physical strain of caring for a frail older relative is oftentimes exacerbated by worries over paying for care, particularly nursing homes. The financial impact of caregiving takes a particular toll on family members when it affects their ability to work. Research has shown that some caregivers must quit their jobs to give care, others experience increased absenteeism, lower productivity at work, lost career opportunities, and future earnings.