United States census trends indicate that by the year 2030, people older than 75 will be the fastest-growing segment of our population. However, the group that traditionally cares for elders, those aged 30-55, will decline in numbers considerably. This population shift has no parallel in human history.

Elder care is becoming an increasing social issue as it shifts back to the family and community. Hospice of Michigan is expecting the lay community to provide more care. With support from new technology - the high-tech, high-touch imperative - there are advancements being made in today's technology to allow this to effectively happen.

By high touch, care is still person-to-person, skilled yet compassionate. The high-touch strategy aims at bringing humanity back to care for the terminally ill. Rather than building more nursing homes, communities need to provide the support families need to keep people at home as they age. Home services can be designed around the family needs. There needs to be be encouragement of community families, groups of seniors who live near each other and help each other with daily chores. Those community families can be developed by local agencies or faith-based groups.

High-tech is using technology, such as video phones to connect patients and families to the hospice team, making face-to-face contact and consultations available around the clock. High tech is helping to streamline hospice paperwork so that hospice workers can spend more time giving care.

Yet, currently, there are no reimbursement means that support these services. As technology shifts, allowing caregivers to provide more help at home, the costs also are being shifted to families. The high-touch, high-tech method clearly needs federal funding support and recognition. The results will be beneficial to the patient, the family and caregiver, and ultimately the healthcare financial bottom line.