An analysis of non-metropolitan west Tennessee nursing home facilities

This study was Intended to describe the current status of our elderly population and determine the perceived need for an increase in non-metropolitan west Tennessee nursing home facilities. In describing the various circumstances and problems of the elderly population, three general areas were chosen: 1) the trends and changes of nursing home facilities over the past 60 years; 2) the economic and sociological backgrounds that are characteristic of the elderly population; and 3) the health care and the growing need for increased funding for the physical and mental problems of the elderly population.

The population under investigation consisted of 46 non-metropolitan west Tennessee nursing home facilities. A systematic sample was selected to determine the facilities to represent the population geographically and by size. Twenty-five facilities were selected and the administrators interviewed.

The results of this study failed to indicate distinctive patterns between facilities when analyzing the physical and mental characteristics of the elderly population and their mobility status. Further analysis also indicated that the average age residents enter into nursing homes, with respect to gender, is similar across various facilities. The 1990 to 2000 decade is not predicted to bring about an increase in the overall elderly population in non-metropolitan west Tennessee counties. However, there will be increasingly large numbers of the elderly entering into the 85 and above age cohort by the year 2000.

This study serves as a strong indicator that currently, there is not a major need for an increase in nursing home facilities or beds. The aging of the elderly in the 1990 to 2000 decade would increase demand by 10 percent. The analysis of the waiting list indicates some additional need of at most 20 percent more nursing home beds. An estimated 5.4 percent of the elderly were in nursing homes which is between the 5 and 6 percent shown in other studies for the U. S. elderly population. However, future trends may prove otherwise. Many facilities have residents who are utilizing level 1 or intermediate care and may not need that level of care. It was suggested by several administrators that a large percent of their residents in intermediate care could adequately exist on their own, with limited monitoring, if certain services were provided for them. This idea introduces an intermediate level between nursing home care and family care of their elderly, in which, some facilities are now developing small quarters for those residents who have the capability to maintain their independence.

The home health care industry is another very important factor in determining the need for increased nursing home facilities. If there continues to be an increase of the home health care industry, there will be a reduced need for an increase in nursing home facilities.