Summary
The article discusses how a declining population and lower birth rates in the U.S. could make it harder to care for older people. More families are struggling to support aging relatives due to fewer available caregivers.
Key Facts
- Maurice White and Renee DeVigne, a couple from Washington, D.C., care for 104-year-old Evelyn White, highlighting the challenges of caregiving in the U.S.
- The United Nations reports that people are living longer, but having fewer children, leading to fewer family members available to provide care.
- The caregiving industry in the U.S. is already experiencing a worker shortage.
- Multigenerational living is more common among Black, Hispanic, and Asian American families.
- Pew Research Center found that 26% of Black and Hispanic Americans lived in multigenerational households in 2021, compared to 13% of white Americans.
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics noted that in 2021-2022, 45% of Black elder care providers took care of a parent.
- Ai-jen Poo of Caring Across Generations states that many families feel overwhelmed by caregiving demands.
- Home health aide Selisa Sutton assists Maurice and Renee with Evelyn's care, reflecting the increasing need for external help.
