A “caregiving crisis” is likely to occur in 2008, says Dr. Lucinda Lee Roff, professor of social work at The University of Alabama.

“Family caregivers provide about 80 percent of all long-term care services in the U.S., but there are fewer family members available to help in this way than before,” says Roff. “Also, of the 46 million Americans who care for an adult relative or friend, 59 percent are employed outside the home. These caregivers are feeling increasing emotional and physical strain as their responsibilities at home compete with their work responsibilities.”

Roff says that more than 1.2 million additional direct service workers will be needed to help these caregivers; however, these workers are not easily found or kept.

“Turnover rates among direct care workers in home health care and nursing homes are extraordinarily high. Workers often report that they are not properly trained, do not feel valued or respected by employers, and are left out of decision-making about patient care.”