Eldercare by the numbers: Key statistics.

Many of us are familiar with the challenges of caring for an elderly person at home. But we often lose sight of the significant societal changes that affects all of us. Here’s a survey of the eldercare landscape from a factual standpoint.

Multiple medical conditions: The heart of the issue.

• Statistics show that 40% of Medicare beneficiaries have three or more medical conditions simultaneously.
• Nearly 20% have five or more conditions.
• This accounts for more than two-thirds of all Medicare spending.

Safe at home.

An AARP survey conducted in 2006 found that nearly 90% of people age 50 and over want to stay in their homes as long as possible. More than 80% who need long term care receive it in the home. The reasoning is self-evident: If the home can be made a safe environment, it is the best option.