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There are more elderly in the United States than ever before. People are living longer. Here are some statistics. 
In 2019, there were 54.1 million people age 65 and older (up from 39.6 million in 2009). The population is projected to reach 80.8 million by 2040 and 94.7 million by 2060. All but a tiny percentage of them live in non-institutional settings, as do more than 61 million people with disabilities. Both populations are growing, and older Americans are one of the fastest-growing demographics in the country. 
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Since 1900, the percentage of Americans age 65 and older nearly quadrupled (from 4.1% in 1900 to 16% in 2019), and the number increased more than 17 times (from 3.1 million to 54.1 million). The older population itself became increasingly older. In 2019, the 65-74 age group (31.5 million) was more than 14 times larger than in 1900 (2,19 million); the 75-84 group (16 million) was 20 times larger (771,000), and the 85+ group (6.6 million) was more than 53 times larger (122,000). 
​Administration for Community Living

What does that mean to us as individuals? More of us are becoming caregivers for aging parents and other loved ones. Whether they are living in their own home, with us, or in an assisted living or nursing home facility, if we are responsible for any part of their care, we are caregivers.
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Karen Burkett Weigand
I am an only child and served as a caregiver for my parents for about fifteen years. Mom and Dad are both with the Lord now, but it was such a blessing to be able to care for them. Then I cared my late husband when his health began failing until he went to be with Jesus in January 2018. I praise God I was able to do that. However, caregiving also presents many challenges. All of us who have been or are caregivers find ourselves dealing with new emotions, role reversals, increasing physical demands, and the on-going challenge of making decisions and choices.

​I learned that the most important thing to remember is that we are not in this alone—our heavenly Father cares for us and will help us every step along the way if we will allow Him to. 
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. (Philippians 4:6)
And beyond that, we need to be willing to ask others for help: family, friends, our church, support groups, and community agencies. There is a lot of help available. 
Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone?  A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)
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Whether you are caring for aging parents or a spouse or providing care for a younger loved one with special needs, I hope these pages will lead you to the help you are seeking. Although many of the links are to secular services, I believe you will find them helpful. Please let me know if you come across other useful sites I haven't listed. And keep checking in—I will be continually adding new caregiver resources as I find them.

One unique resource that I would like to mention is a small group study called Caregiving: Caring for Aging Parents by Living Free. I was blessed to help put this study together. It deals with many issues facing caregivers—and all from a Christian perspective. The study is an ideal tool for churches and care facilities to help families and loved ones who are caregivers.

May God bless you and your loved ones.

Karen