Population Estimates of Disability and Long-Term Care

A large minority of Americans (42.7 million or 17.2%) have disabilities, 12.7 million of whom need long-term care. About 29.7% of all people with disabilities and 5% of the entire population need long-term care. Estimates of the number of people with disabilities or with long-term care needs are derived for both the community and institutionalized poplation for children, working age adults, and the elderly. Community estimates are based on the 1990 Survey of Income and Program Participation and estimates from institutions come from the 1990 Decennial Census, work from the University of Minnesota, and a federal census of mental facilities. (ASPE Research Notes, Volume 11) [5 PDF pages]