Did you know…….the nursing home industry is one of America's fastest growing industries? In April, 2005 there
were a total of 16,094 nursing homes in the United States with 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 Staff, Dietary, Housekeeping, Laundry, Maintenance and office support staff.
On an average day, nearly 4% of the U.S population (1.6 million Americans) are residing in a nursing home.
The average stay at the nursing home equals 892 days. In 2020, 12 million Americans will need long-term care.
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. If you
have suggestions for items you would like to see offered please feel free to let us know.
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