The aging of the U.S. population will lead to greater demand for assistance with activities of daily living. Much of this support is provided by family members, but changing family sizes and locations have raised concern that those needing support will be increasingly reliant on non-family assistance, including paid caregivers. This study uses the National Health and Aging Trends survey (NHATS), which includes extensive questions about the needs of people 65 years and older, and how those needs are met. The analysis examines the location of family members relative to the person needing assistance, and the receipt of unpaid family care and paid personal care services.

This project aims to answer these questions:

• What are the patterns of geographic location of family members of those who need assistance with activities of daily living? 
• How much assistance do family members provide?
• Who provides care when family members are not doing so?

For more information, contact [email protected].