Body 1 content The U.S. population aged 65 and over grew nearly five times faster than the total population over the 100 years from 1920 to 2020, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. By 2030, all baby boomers will be aged 65 and over.
The aging population is increasing the demand for medical services, including non-acute healthcare. In fact, compared to other demographic groups, seniors experience more chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and arthritis than other age groups.
CREATING A STRAIN ON THE HEALTHCARE WORKFORCE
An aging healthcare workforce coupled with healthcare worker retirements are straining the ability of non-acute facilities to serve seniors and meet their changing needs. For instance, potential consequences of a healthcare workforce shortage include longer wait times for patients to receive services, increased workloads on staff and burnout for current employees.
As noted in the paper “Healthcare on the brink: navigating the challenges of an aging society in the United States,” the current healthcare system is not prepared to meet the demands of an aging population. Change is needed.
“There is a growing shortage of healthcare providers, which means that the supply and availability of qualified and skilled healthcare professionals, such as physicians, nurses, pharmacists, clinical social workers and technicians, is insufficient and inadequate to meet the demand and need of the population,” according to the paper.
This shortage is complicating existing challenges at non-acute facilities, potentially making it more difficult to provide timely and effective care to the aging population. Organizations serving this demographic must modernize their strategic plan to ensure they have the resources, including staffing and skill sets, to meet the specific needs of seniors. The plan should identify gaps between what the facilities currently offer and what will be needed in the future.
