Elder Care Services

US demand to be driven by demographic changes

Through 2018, growth in US elder care service revenues will be stimulated by demographic changes, especially by the large “baby boom” generation entering retirement years and longer life expectancies. Both of these trends will contribute to the rising size of the older population. Growth in elder care services will be further spurred by modified regulations, as improved coverage of these services, especially through Medicare, allows for greater flexibility and more choices for patients. Elder care service providers compete functionally with informal caregivers, typically family members; however, a growing number of older adults either do not have family members who are able to care for them or simply prefer using professional care.

Home healthcare will be fastest growing segment

In 2013, skilled nursing facilities, with 45 percent of the total, accounted for the largest share of elder care service revenue. However, home healthcare is projected to exhibit faster growth. Advances will be driven by the shift in preference among the older population to age in place, remaining in their homes as long as possible, as well as by regulatory changes that improve coverage of these home-based services. The ability of more seniors to utilize home-based services rather than institutional care will be further aided by advancements in medical technology, such as remote monitoring and a new generation of personal emergency response systems. Continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) will also see growth, as housing markets improve and housing values increase, boosting the ability of elderly individuals to raise money for the steep entry fees at CCRCs. More seniors appreciate the less institutional feel and convenience of lifetime care from independent living as opposed to skilled nursing care at a single location. Social services (e.g., senior centers, adult day care, companion services, non-medical home care or homemaker...