EXPECTATIONS FOR ELDER CARE
According to a new Pew Research Center Report, Attitudes About Aging: A Global Perspective, of the more the 22,000 people surveyed in 23 countries.Pew report the United States expectations for elder care are out of sync with individuals in similar nations. Research found the U.S. people are more likely to believe that senior citizens should be responsible for their own elder care in comparison to the responds of people living in similar economies across the globe.
For example, 46% of Americans and 53% of South Koreans responded that the elderly themselves should be response when asked who should assume “the greatest responsibility for the elderly.” In fact, America (24%) tied with Indonesia as the second-lowest percentage to respond that the government should bear primary responsibility for the elderly.
Americans were also much more likely than Europeans to indicate that they will have a good standard of living in the later stages of their lives and only a quarter of Americans who participated in the study expressed concern that the aging population is a major national problem. That belief may very well be at odds with reality. According to the Pew Report, public healthcare expenditures in the United are projected to increase to 14.9% of gross domestic product by 2050, the highest percentage among the nations analyzed.
Americans are known for their confidence but should also be practical when planning for the future. If the time has come when you or your family member needs help with elder care planning or exploring options, please contact the knowledgeable staff at California Registry to help you find elder care services or an assisted living facility within California that is customized for your situation.