New studies have revealed the amount we spend doing a myriad of activities, including caring for the elderly. The Bureau of Labor Statistics[1] reports that in the last three months, 39.8 million people over age 15 provided unpaid care to someone over 65. Civilian caregivers who provide care several times a week usually spend about 3 hours a day caring for the elderly. This includes activities that range for helping with errands and household chores to simply visiting.
The fact that more people are able to maintain their independence with a little assistance is encouraging information. While studies show the proportion of very old people who died in hospitals has dropped from 40% in 1989 to 29% in 2007[2], there is still an increase in the number of people who spend their last days in nursing homes and long term care facilities. While Americans are spending increasing amounts of time caring for their elder family members, spouses, or friends, there are some instances where caring becomes too burdensome for an individual. Ideally, your loved one can receive the daily care they need in a nursing home or long term care facility.
There are laws and regulations that set a standard for the type of care and treatment these facilities are supposed to give. Not all nursing home facilities are the same, though. For example, many facilities are understaffed and, therefore, unable to provide the necessary care your loved one needs. If you are concerned about the type of care your loved one is receiving or if your loved one has experienced an injury while under the care of a nursing home or long term care facility, call us today. You will speak with me directly about your loved one and possible compensation for an abuse injury.
1. American Time Use Study: http://www.bls.gov/news.release/atus.nr0.htm, last visited July 2012
2. New York Times: http://newoldage.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/04/18/where-the-oldest-die-now/, last visited July 2012