[nradov]

The other fundamental problem is the demographic profile in most developed countries. We have aging populations, and proportionally fewer young people to care for them. I'll bet most HN users wouldn't want to work at a retirement home or assisted living facility even if it paid well. My father spent his final years in such a facility and dealing with him was quite difficult for the staff there. This will inevitably cause higher costs and lower quality.

[rayiner]

The other other fundamental problem is that dealing with elderly people often is difficult and unpleasant and what can you really expect from people who aren't related to them? Daycares and preschools are often very loving places because babies are cute and trigger people's nurturing instincts but that's not true of the elderly.

[enoint]

In some parts of the facility, workers are recognized by older folks who are aging with poise. That connection looks mutual.

In other parts, memory care, you are never recognized by the patients. Prepare for combative, confused ill people; your job depends on not treating them like animals.

I see adult children visiting their parent, who doesn't recognize them, and wouldn’t understand that $115,000/year isn’t entirely paid by the state.

[bradleyjg]

Yet daycare costs are also exploding. In both cases it’s not primarily about wages going to the direct care workers—-though steep minimum wage increases are a factor in some jurisdictions.