AMERICUS, GA -
While most of the people at the Rosalynn Carter Institute summit are from government or academia, the Rulli family from Ohio are ordinary citizens and are an example of what's going to be happening a lot in the years to come.
Mary and Stephenie Rulli are mother and daughter, but until recently they had a more special title - caregivers.
Mary Rulli said, "I cared for my mother-in-law for 10 years and then actually my father for another four years."
While looking for resources to help them figure out how to do this important job, they quickly became frustrated.
"There's a maze of really good organizations and a lot of good information but it was not all in one place," said Stephenie Rulli.
So they decided to write a book of their own, drawing on their experiences and sharing the lessons that they learned.
Stephenie Rulli said, "it is a step-by-step guide from how to get organized, all the forms, the financial, medical, family history, safety."
Plenty of lessons are being shared this week at Georgia Southwestern University, as dozens gather for their annual summit.
Leisa Easom is the Executive Director of the Institute. She said, "they're from all over the United States and internationally. We have guests here from Korea, from England as well."
They've heard speeches and taken part in seminars designed to inform them about the latest methods for care giving.
"They're getting knowledge that they can take back to their communities and further support the caregivers that are in every community," said Dr. Easom.
The institute itself was inspired by the experiences of Mrs. Carter, who was a caregiver herself.
"I took care of my mother," she said.
Her story is a familiar one to the millions of caregivers in the country. In the years ahead, there will be many more.
The Census Bureau estimated that there were nearly 40 million people under 65 in 2009. By 2050, that number is expected to grow to more than 88 million. That will make caregivers a significant part of the labor force.
Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis spoke to the group today. She told us what jobs will become popular in the years ahead. "Providing up front medical services, whether it's in the hospital setting, in a clinical setting or even in home care. Those are areas that are going to be expanding."
Many of those caregivers will be taking care of their parents at home, since that's where everyone - young and old - wants to live. That makes helping them a governmental priority in the years ahead.
"The new reforms in health care that the President just enacted will provide more assistance in coverage, educational opportunities, but also hopefully better services that will offered to caregivers," said Secretary Solis.
And helping the elderly - and the people that care for them - a national priority as well.
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The Rosalynn Carter Institute. Located on the campus of Georgia Southwestern university, it has been open since 1987.
Sonya's Story - a book written by the Rulli family - covers everything that the caregiver needs to take care of their loved ones.
Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis speaks at the summit. She said that care givers will become a significant part of the labor force in the years to come.
Part of the audience at the speech for Secretary of Labor Solis. About 200 care givers were signed up for the event from around the country and from several foreign countries.
At the luncheon, guests heard a speech from Jeni Stepanek, the mother of Mattie Stepanek whose name is on a scholarship for four caregivers given out by the institute.
