Infographic: 42 Million Seniors May be Without Care by 2012
The nursing home industry is shrinking even as the nation’s population ages, meaning 42 million seniors could end up without care by 2012, according to an infographic created by Assisted Living Today.
While 10,000 baby boomers are reaching senior status each day, and will continue to do so for nearly 20 years, according to U.S. Census data, nursing homes around the nation are closing.
Both the Western and Southern regions have experienced high rates of closure, at 17% and 18%, respectively. The Northeast and Midwest each have nursing home closure rates of 14%.
In 10 years, 70 million Americans will be aged 65 or older, and at the current rate of population growth and closure, only 40% of the senior population will have an opportunity to live in a nursing home, says Assisted Living Today.
Source: Assisted Living Today Infographic, 2011
However, between 1998 and 2008, the number of Americans living in nursing homes declined 6.1% to slightly more than 1.2 million, according to a Brown University study published in the July 2011 edition of Health Affairs. And, during this same time frame, there was 18.1% increase in the number of Americans aged 65-69, and 8.7% rise in those aged 70 and older, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimations, suggesting that many are opting for other forms of care besides that provided in nursing homes.
View the infographic here.
Written by Alyssa Gerace
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Category: Data, Nursing Homes
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During the rise of the assisted living developments in the 90's, there were speakers who were declaring that nursing homes would be the "buggy whips" of the new millenium. It's interesting that the article states that "only 40% of seniors will be able to go to a nursing home. Historically, the population of people over 85 living in nursing homes has been less than 10%.
Interesting article and interesting response; with the rise of Assisted Living in the past 20 years the percentage of seniors seeking a SNF should continue to decline. The article does not take into account the vast majority of senior care occupants are 85+. Including the 65 to 75 cohorts in the demand estimate does not reflect accurately on the supply need. Most people in this age range are in their own home or active retirement dwellings. The average age of AL residents is rising and is now above 85 years old. Thus, demand for SNF beds are being absorbed by Assisted Living facilities taking more high acuity older residents than ever before.