Senior care industry preparing for increase in demand for services as more boomers reach retirement age

By 2050, the global population of those 65 and older will double the population of those five and younger, according to Home Instead Senior Care Owner Andrea Trautman. That's just one of the effects of the boomer generation reaching retirement age. 

Another impact they will have is on the caregiving industry. It is estimated that 70 percent of seniors will need long-term care. As those numbers increase, those like Trautman are looking for a way to meet that demand. One way they hope to do so is by encouraging the younger generations to enter the industry. 

"We believe it is a great fit for anybody who is interested in that caring field," Trautman said. 

The sheer number of those needing care is the main force behind this need. Trautman said, changes in family dynamics are playing a role as well. 

"Historically, families have cared for their loved ones at home when they reach that time in their life when they need extra support and care," she said. "Well now, that has become more and more of a challenge for families and it really drives that need for professional caregivers." 

Trautman says this field is rewarding for those both giving and receiving the care. 

"It offers valuable skills that any person or millennial can use in any future career," she said. "Secondly, and probably best of all, it allows that opportunity to give back to the community that you live in."