A Growing Need

• Between the years 1990 and 2000, the increase for those in the 75 to 84 age group was 60%.
  
• The over-85 population is the fastest growing age segment in the state.
• As many as 52 million people in this country serve as caregivers and over 60% of them are employed.
• In 1990, there were 11 potential caregivers for each person needing care, and in 2050, that ratio will be 4:1.
• There are approximately 35,000 baby boomers in Somerset County caring for their aging parents.
• The incidence of acute and chronic illnesses and the loss of functional abilities are more likely to occur in the last years of life.
• Hospital stays are far shorter than they were 10 or 20 years ago.
• Hospice is a choice that is sought more and more for end of life care.