As more and more baby boomers cross the threshold into old age, members of the Me Generation are confronting a new and growing problem: Who will take care of them when they can no longer care for themselves?

It's a situation few families are prepared for but one many will face. As relatives gather for the holidays, it often becomes clear that falls, memory lapses and an assortment of maladies have taken a toll on aging loved ones and help is needed.

But a shortage of qualified workers, rising costs and a demographic shift have seniors facing a caregiver crisis that could take some of the luster out of their golden years.

"We are absolutely in a crisis mode," said Robert Espinoza, vice president of policy for New York-based PHI, a direct care workforce research organization.

"Providers are routinely reporting that they can't find and they can't keep direct care workers, which makes it impossible to provide the care that consumers need."

The U.S. population is rapidly aging: Roughly 10,000 baby boomers turn 65 every day, and more than half eventually will need some form of long-term care, according to Pew Research.

There are assisted living facilities and nursing homes, but increasingly seniors are looking to remain in their homes as they age.

Meanwhile, demand for personal caregivers already is outstripping supply, experts say.

"Part of the reason that we're seeing a growing demand for home care workers is a cultural shift for aging at home," Espinoza said.

Story Date: December 18, 2017