AP-NORC releases new analysis of Hispanics' experiences with long-term care

The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research has released an issue brief containing results of a survey about Hispanics' experiences with long-term care in the United States. The issue brief provides new data on how Hispanics age 40 and older are, or are not, planning for long-term care, details how their experiences compare to those of non-Hispanics, and highlights ways in which demographic differences among Hispanics affect their experiences. The study also addresses how Hispanics' familial relationships are impacted by providing care, and the level of support for policy proposals that may help Americans prepare for the costs of ongoing living assistance. This information is vital as policymakers are currently grappling with how to plan for and finance high-quality long-term care in the United States.

"The Hispanic population of the United States will more than double by the year 2060, and comprise about 21 percent of the U.S. population age 65 and older. This is a significant demographic shift," said Trevor Tompson, director of the AP-NORC Center. "With only 1 in 5 people in this rapidly growing population confident they will have the financial resources needed to pay for care, this is a serious policy issue facing the country and its aging population."

As part of a national survey, the AP-NORC Center conducted interviews with 458 Hispanics and 1,287 non-Hispanics age 40 or older from the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Funding for the survey was provided by The SCAN Foundation.

Key findings of the study include:

• Hispanics are more likely than non-Hispanics to foresee needing long-term care, but report feeling less prepared for that care and are more concerned about the financial consequences. Just 1 in 5 is confident they will have the financial resources to pay for any care they may need as they age.
• Six in 10 Hispanics age 40 or older have experience with long-term care—either as a recipient or a care provider—and the vast majority who have provided care reflect positively on that experience.
• Hispanics support a number of policy proposals that may help Americans address the costs of long-term care, including 71 percent supporting tax breaks to encourage savings.
• Hispanics age 40 or older anticipate needing long-term care at a higher rate than other Americans, yet only 1 in 10 report planning for this necessity.
• Annual household income is a major factor in whether or not Hispanics have planned for future ongoing living assistance need, more so than for other Americans.
• Hispanics age 40 or older anticipate needing support from Medicaid for ongoing living assistance at a significantly higher rate than non-Hispanics.