US Nursing Facility Closures Amidst Ageing Population

Original Source: https://www.newsweek.com/nursing-facilities-shutting-acorss-america-despite-ageing-population-2077896

Key Themes and Important Ideas:

• Contrasting Trends: The core issue is the direct contradiction between the increasing need for elderly care services due to population ageing and the decreasing availability of dedicated nursing facilities. Opera Beds data shows "More than 820 nursing facilities closed across the U.S. between 2015 and 2024," while simultaneously, "America's population aged 85 and over grew by around 39 percent between 2003 and 2023."
• Widespread Impact: The decline in nursing facilities is not isolated to a few areas. "45 out of 51 states saw a reduction in nursing facilities despite a nationwide increase in the older population." This indicates a systemic challenge across the country.
• Strain on Remaining Resources: The closure of facilities directly impacts the capacity of existing services. The trend "threatens to put increasing strain on remaining nursing facilities and homecare services across the country."
• Economic Implications of Demographic Shift: The ageing population, coupled with a declining birth rate, creates significant economic challenges. As James Pomeroy, global economist at HSBC, states, this represents a "massive problem." These challenges include "a drop in the working-age population, falling tax revenues, and an increase in individuals reliant on tax-based services like Social Security."
• Varying State-Level Preparedness: The report highlights significant differences in states' preparedness to care for their ageing populations. Arizona is identified as "the least prepared to care for its ageing population, with only 142 nursing facilities," resulting in "1,050 individuals over the age of 85 per available facility." Conversely, Iowa is considered "best prepared to care for its ageing population with 412 nursing facilities, and one per 174 residents over the age of 85," attributed to "its rural composition and policies emphasizing accessible healthcare services for older residents."
• States with Fastest Growing Elderly Populations: States like Nevada (127% growth in 85+ population), Alaska (122%), and Hawaii (100%) have seen the most rapid increases in their oldest populations. These states "face significant strains given the relative drop in facilities, along with the rising cost of living."
• Projections for the Future: Opera Beds projects a continued "substantial increase in the U.S. population aged 85 and older by 2043." This reinforces the urgency of addressing the current challenges.

Most Important Ideas/Facts:

• Over 820 nursing facilities closed in the U.S. between 2015 and 2024.
• 45 out of 51 states experienced a reduction in nursing facilities during this period.
• The U.S. population aged 85 and over grew by approximately 39% between 2003 and 2023.
• Nevada, Alaska, and Hawaii saw the most significant growth in their 85+ populations (127%, 122%, and 100% respectively).
• Montana saw the sharpest decline in nursing facilities (28%) between 2015 and 2024.
• Arizona is identified as the least prepared state, with 1,050 individuals over 85 per nursing facility.
• Iowa is identified as the best prepared state, with 174 individuals over 85 per nursing facility.
• The combination of an ageing population and declining birth rate is a "massive problem" with significant social and economic consequences.