An Overview of Home Health Aides: United States, 2007

By 2050, the estimated number of persons who will need some type of long-term care is projected to almost double—from 15 million in 2000 to 27 million, assuming current patterns of care continue (1). Of those, the majority will receive long-term care in the community rather than in institutions. Currently, the majority of home-and community-based long-term care is provided by unpaid caregivers, such as family members, neighbors, or friends. Although unpaid care remains the primary source of community-based long-term care, the demand for paid (formal) caregivers is expected to increase (1). The bulk of formal long-term care is provided by direct care workers, such as nursing assistants, home health aides, and personal aides, who provide basic care and essential help with daily activities, enabling people with functional and activity limitations to live independently in their homes.