49 Long-Term Care Statistics

Published On

November 16, 2023

Eye-opening long-term care statistics: Uncover the financial impact and growing need for care, and protect your loved ones.

Top 10 Key Long-Term Care Statistics

Long-term care is a growing need in the United States, with millions of Americans aged 65 and older requiring some form of assistance to maintain their health and well-being.
The aging population is expected to continue to increase in the coming years, leading to a greater demand for long-term care services and facilities.
Women are more likely than men to require long-term care services, and nursing homes are the most common type of facility for elderly women.
Many nursing home residents are in their 80s or older, and a significant percentage have cognitive impairments such as dementia or Alzheimer's disease.
The high cost of long-term care can be a barrier for many families, with nursing homes and other facilities costing tens of thousands of dollars per year.
Caregiving can be a rewarding but challenging responsibility, with many caregivers experiencing stress, depression, and other negative health outcomes as a result of their caregiving duties.
Falls are a major concern for elderly individuals, and preventing falls through proper safety measures is an important aspect of long-term care.
In addition to nursing homes, assisted living facilities, adult day care centers, and home health care services are other options for long-term care.
Medicaid is the largest payer of long-term care services in the United States, but Medicare does not cover most long-term care expenses.
Planning ahead for long-term care needs can help individuals and families make informed decisions about their care options and finances.

The Growing Need for Long-Term Care

As the population ages, the need for long-term care continues to rise. Here are some key statistics highlighting this trend:

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, by 2030, all baby boomers will be over the age of 65, and older adults will outnumber children for the first time in U.S. history.
The Administration for Community Living reports that approximately 70% of individuals aged 65 and older will require some form of long-term care in their lifetime.
The number of Americans aged 85 and older, who are at a higher risk of needing long-term care, is projected to triple by 2050, reaching 19 million.

These statistics emphasize the importance of planning for long-term care needs, not only for the elderly population but also for their families.

Financial Impact of Long-Term Care

Long-term care can have a significant financial impact on individuals and families. Consider the following statistics:

Genworth Financial's Cost of Care Survey reveals that the average annual cost of a private room in a nursing home in the United States is over $100,000.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that the average length of a long-term care need is 3.7 years for women and 2.2 years for men.
According to the Society of Actuaries, there is a 50% chance that a person aged 65 today will require long-term care at some point, and the average lifetime cost for long-term care is estimated to be around $138,000.

These statistics demonstrate the importance of considering the financial implications of long-term care and exploring options such as long-term care insurance.

By understanding the growing need for long-term care and the financial impact it can have, individuals and families can take proactive steps to plan for their future and ensure the well-being of their loved ones. Exploring trends, demographics, and facility statistics can provide further insights into the evolving landscape of long-term care.

Demographics

As of 2020, there are over 50 million Americans aged 65 and older, accounting for 16% of the total population. (U.S. Census Bureau)
By 2030, the number of Americans aged 65 and older is projected to reach 73 million. (U.S. Census Bureau)
Women make up a majority (65%) of nursing home residents. (National Center for Health Statistics)
Over 40% of nursing home residents are aged 85 and older. (National Center for Health Statistics)
Over 70% of nursing home residents have some form of cognitive impairment. (National Center for Health Statistics)

Long-Term Care Facilities

In 2019, there were 15,655 nursing homes in the United States. (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services)
The average nursing home has 108 beds. (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services)
Over 80% of nursing homes are for-profit. (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services)
In 2019, the average cost of a private room in a nursing home was $102,200 per year. (Genworth)
In 2019, the average cost of a semi-private room in a nursing home was $90,155 per year. (Genworth)
In 2019, the average cost of assisted living was $48,612 per year. (Genworth)
In 2019, the average cost of in-home health care was $52,624 per year. (Genworth)

Utilization and Costs of Long-Term Care Services

The utilization and costs associated with long-term care services are significant considerations for individuals and families planning for their future care needs. Here are some eye-opening statistics:

Approximately 70% of individuals over the age of 65 will require some form of long-term care services in their lifetime.
Home care is the most preferred option, with 80-90% of long-term care recipients receiving care at home or in community-based settings.
The average annual cost of home care services is around $53,768.
The average annual cost of assisted living facility care is approximately $48,612.
Nursing home care, which provides the highest level of care, has an average annual cost of around $105,850.

These statistics highlight the importance of planning for long-term care needs, both financially and logistically. Long-term care insurance can be a valuable tool to help mitigate the financial burden associated with long-term care services.

Caregiving

Over 43 million Americans provide unpaid caregiving services to elderly or disabled family members. (AARP)
The average caregiver is a 49-year-old woman who works outside the home and spends almost 20 hours per week providing care. (AARP)
Over 60% of caregivers report feeling stressed and overwhelmed by their caregiving responsibilities. (AARP)
Over 30% of caregivers report feeling depressed or anxious as a result of their caregiving responsibilities. (AARP)
In 2019, the value of unpaid caregiving services provided to elderly or disabled family members was $470 billion. (AARP)

Health and Safety

Falls are the leading cause of injury and death among elderly people. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Over 25% of Americans aged 65 and older fall each year. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Elder abuse is a significant problem in the United States, with an estimated 10% of elderly people experiencing some form of abuse. (National Council on Aging)
Over 90% of elder abuse is perpetrated by family members. (National Council on Aging)
Over 50% of nursing home staff admit to mistreating residents. (National Center on Elder Abuse)
Pressure ulcers (bedsores) are a common problem among nursing home residents, with over 10% of residents developing them. (National Center for Health Statistics)

Government Programs

Medicaid is the primary payer for long-term care services in the United States, accounting for over 60% of all spending. (Kaiser Family Foundation)
Medicare does not cover long-term care services except in limited circumstances, such as after a hospital stay. (Medicare.gov)
In 2019, the federal government spent $180 billion on long-term care services through Medicaid and other programs. (Kaiser Family Foundation)
In 2019, state governments spent $120 billion on long-term care services through Medicaid and other programs. (Kaiser Family Foundation)
The number of people receiving long-term care services through Medicaid is projected to increase from 7.4 million in 2020 to 11.6 million in 2040. (Kaiser Family Foundation)

Quality of Care

Over 40% of nursing homes have been cited for some form of abuse or neglect in the past three years. (U.S. Government Accountability Office)
Over 90% of nursing homes have been cited for at least one deficiency in the past three years. (U.S. Government Accountability Office)
Over 70% of nursing homes have been cited for deficiencies related to resident care. (U.S. Government Accountability Office)
Over 50% of nursing homes have been cited for deficiencies related to infection control. (U.S. Government Accountability Office)
The staffing levels of nursing homes are a significant predictor of quality of care. (Journal of the American Medical Directors Association)
Nursing homes with higher staffing levels have lower rates of pressure ulcers and falls. (Journal of the American Medical Directors Association)

Insurance

Percentage of Americans aged 65 and older with long-term care insurance 15%
Average age of individuals at the time of long-term care insurance purchase 57 years old
Average annual premium for long-term care insurance $2,700
Total number of long-term care insurance policyholders in the United States 7 million
Percentage of long-term care insurance claims that cover home care services 50%
Average length of long-term care insurance claims 3 years
Percentage of long-term care insurance claims that cover nursing home care 40%
Percentage of long-term care insurance policies with inflation protection 75%

Technology

The use of telehealth technology in long-term care settings is increasing, with over 60% of nursing homes reporting using some form of telehealth. (National Center for Health Statistics)
Telehealth has been shown to improve access to care, reduce hospital admissions, and improve patient outcomes in long-term care settings. (National Center for Health Statistics)
The use of electronic health records (EHRs) in long-term care settings is increasing, with over 70% of nursing homes reporting using EHRs. (National Center for Health Statistics)
The use of EHRs has been shown to improve patient safety, reduce medication errors, and improve care coordination in long-term care settings. (National Center for Health Statistics)

Workforce

The turnover rate for nursing home staff is over 90%. (National Center for Health Statistics)
The median wage for certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in nursing homes is $13.38 per hour. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Over 50% of CNAs in nursing homes work part-time. (National Center for Health Statistics)
Over 40% of CNAs in nursing homes live in households with income below 200% of the poverty level. (National Center for Health Statistics)
The job satisfaction of nursing home staff is strongly correlated with staffing levels and the quality of care provided. (Journal of Applied Gerontology)

Emotional and Financial Impact on Caregivers

Providing long-term care can have a profound impact on the emotional well-being and financial stability of family caregivers. Let's explore some statistics that shed light on these aspects:

Percentage of caregivers reporting high levels of stress 75%
Percentage of caregivers experiencing symptoms of depression 40%
Percentage of caregivers reporting a decline in their own health 35%
Percentage of caregivers who have had to reduce their work hours or quit their job 68%
Percentage of caregivers who report experiencing financial strain 66%
Percentage of caregivers who have dipped into their own savings to cover caregiving costs 47%

Future Trends

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in long-term care settings is increasing, with applications such as fall detection and medication reminders. (Journal of Gerontological Nursing)
The use of robots in long-term care settings is increasing, with applications such as social engagement and assistance with activities of daily living. (Journal of Gerontological Nursing)
The use of virtual reality (VR) in long-term care settings is increasing, with applications such as pain management and cognitive stimulation. (Journal of Gerontological Nursing)
The use of blockchain technology in long-term care settings is increasing, with applications such as secure data sharing and identity management. (Journal of Gerontological Nursing)
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for improved infection control measures in long-term care settings. (Journal of the American Medical Directors Association)
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of telehealth and other technology in long-term care settings. (Journal of the American Medical Directors Association)
The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of adequate staffing levels and quality of care in long-term care settings. (Journal of the American Medical Directors Association)

Conclusion

Long-term care is an ever-evolving field, and as the population ages, it will continue to be an important topic. While there are many challenges facing the long-term care industry, there are also many opportunities for innovation and improvement. From the use of technology to improve patient outcomes to the need for better infection control measures, there is much work to be done.

However, with the dedication of caregivers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers, we can ensure that long-term care remains a high-quality, accessible service for those who need it most.

Sources:

AARP. (2020). Caregiving in the U.S.
Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2020). Occupational Employment Statistics.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Falls in Nursing Homes.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2020). Nursing Home Data Compendium.
Genworth. (2019). Cost of Care Survey.

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