Did you know...the nursing home industry is one of America's fastest growing industries? According to the CDC there are 16, 100 nursing homes in the United States. Of those nursing homes there are 1.7 million beds with an average occupancy rate of 86%. The average stay at the nursing home equals 892 days. In 2020, it is predicted that 12 million Americans will need long-term care.
The "Baby Boomer" population began turing 65 in 2011, and they currently make up about 20% of the population. The last boomers will turn 65 in 2029. It is predicted that the long-term care industry will face new challenges and growth over the next decade.
In the over 16,000 nursing homes, there are approximately 1.8 million workers. In order to provide care to this special population each facility is required to maintain a professionally trained staff consisting of a licensed Administrator, Director of Nursing, RNs, LPNs, and CNAs, as well as Social Worker, Activity Professionals, Dietary, Therapist, Housekeeping, Laundry, Maintenance and office support staff.
The "typical" nursing home resident is:
- A widowed, separated, or divorced woman in her mid 80's, showing mild forms of memory loss and dementia. Still physically healthy, she needs help with about 4 of 5 activities of daily living (eating, dressing, bathing, transferring and mobility, and toileting).
- Has 3-5 medical diagnoses.
- Takes 9 medications - 6.7 routine prescription medications per day and 2.7 additional medications on an "as needed" basis.
- Commonly prescribed medications include gastrointestinal agents (laxatives, enemas, and acid secretion reducers), analgesics (acetaminophen and aspirin), cardiovascular medications (Digoxin, diuretics, and nitrates), vitamins and supplements (multivitamins and potassium), and psychoactive medications (sedatives and hypnotics, antipsychotics, and antidepressants).
- Most recently in a hospital before entering a nursing home.
- Received one of the leading admission diagnoses including heart disease, mental disorders and injuries.
- Cognitive impairment and mental disorders are the most common conditions in nursing home residents.
Knowing these facts, it is easy to recognize the need for continual training and resources for the long term care professional. Return to our site for updates on information to assist with the training of facility staff and other helpful information.
