October 24, 2006, Ashland, MA -- By 2030 almost one out of every five Americans will be 65 or older - the largest percentage of senior citizens in U. S. history. Eldercare issues are fast becoming one of the most critical challenges facing both families and businesses.

ElderCarelink, the leading internet service which connects consumers to providers of eldercare services, is sponsoring a study through a series of surveys designed to help identify and address the growing needs of family and professional caregivers on several different topics. These Caregiving Surveys will initially go to more than 50,000 families who have used ElderCarelink in their search for eldercare - the vast majority (75%) of which are sons and daughters looking for assistance in caring for their parents. The survey will also be available to any additional caregivers, family or professional, who wish to participate at www.eldercarelink.com/research .

This holiday season, ElderCarelink is sending a message to all family members to be alert to signs that their elderly relative may need help. "Most importantly," says Brooks, "watch for signs of change. Changes in health, mood, and living conditions can all be important indicators." In addition, Brooks suggests that visiting family members speak with the people who see their elderly relative on a daily basis to find out if they have noticed any recent changes.

The evolving needs and issues (medical, financial and logistical) facing the 72 million Americans who will be 65+ in the next 25 years will affect virtually every family and business across the U.S. "Online resources continue to be the most available and utilized tools for information, services and emotional support by families and professionals who are involved in the many forms of caregiving," noted Robert Brooks, CEO of ElderCarelink.

This study will focus on the issues which are most commonly faced by caregivers, their families, and their aging loved ones. Some of the planned topics for surveys include:

• Impact of caregiving on health, job and family
• Identifying the hidden costs of caregiving
• Which factors and variables "actually" drive eldercare decisions
• Assessing family preparedness for long-term care issues
• Demographic differences in caregiving and eldercare decision making (e.g., gender, age, income level, education etc.)
• Preferences of Caregivers vs. Care Recipients

By amassing a comprehensive database on such a diverse range of eldercare issues, ElderCarelink hopes to provide an important and up-to-date resource for those involved in caregiving. "There have been several important studies done over the years (e.g., Metlife, AARP, etc.) that have focused on the significant sociological evolution that is taking place as baby boomers reach retirement age and beyond," Brooks observed. "This study by ElderCarelink and the resulting information we can offer will provide another relevant and significant resource for those contending with caregiving issues, personally or professionally,"

Survey results and associated caregiving resources will be made available to the public, media, and those within the assisted living industry. For more information or to participate in the survey, contact ElderCarelink at contactus@eldercarelink.com or take the survey at www.eldercarelink.com/research.

About ElderCarelink
ElderCarelink, a leading provider of qualified lead generation services within the eldercare industry, assists families in finding a multitude of senior services, including assisted living, nursing homes, adult day care, private duty nursing, care management and home care in all 50 states. More about finding eldercare assistance or joining our network of providers can be found at www.eldercarelink.com.

ElderCarelink Media and Press