After a rough election in which Democrats used a government shutdown and the specter of lost health and food assistance benefits to hammer Republicans, conservatives should consider where the next attacks may come. One possible vulnerability is elder care, a very real and growing concern for millions of Americans, especially women.
By 2050, nearly 1 in 4 Americans will be over 65. Already, adults 65 and over make up about 18% of the U.S. population. Most want to stay in their homes, but many require assistance with daily activities such as meals, light chores, and transportation.
The financial burden is substantial. In-home care averages $80,000 annually, and nursing home care often exceeds $115,000. The cost of care has become unmanageable for even middle-income families, leaving many with few options as they juggle caring for aging parents and raising children.
During the 2024 campaign, then-Vice President Kamala Harris suggested expanding Medicare to subsidize in-home, long-term care services. While she did not provide details, such an approach would be astronomically expensive, divert resources from those who truly depend on a safety net, and overlook the impracticality of one-size-fits-all solutions. Seniors need more options that fit their circumstances, whether that means live-in companionship, part-time assistance, or another form of support.
There is already an existing model for affordable, home-based support that provides this kind of flexibility: the au pair program. For years, the State Department has facilitated this program, allowing young adults from abroad to live with U.S. families and provide child care in exchange for room, board, and a modest stipend. It’s a proven framework that connects household needs with capable companions.
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