Nursing homes play an important role in providing care for the elderly in the United States. Understanding the statistics surrounding these facilities helps one grasp the scope and challenges of elder care.
Key statistics from the 2020s shed light on the state of nursing homes and their residents.
Number of nursing homes and ownership
As of 2020, the United States had approximately 15,300 nursing homes. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, about 70.3% of these operated under for-profit ownership, which has implications for the management and quality of care in these facilities. This could be an important factor if you are looking for a nursing home for yourself or a loved one.
Capacity and resident statistics
Nursing homes had a combined total of 1.6 million licensed beds in 2020. However, by 2023, there were around 1.3 million individuals in these facilities across the country. This indicates a utilization rate of about 75%. California and New York had the highest number of residents, each with over 90,000 individuals in certified nursing facilities. Florida followed closely with 71,948 residents, making it the fourth-highest state in terms of nursing home population.
Proportion of elderly residents
in 2023, the elderly population in the United States, those aged 65 and older, numbered 55.8 million. Of this group, 2.3% of the elderly population lived in nursing homes. Additionally, 818,800 elderly Americans resided in assisted living facilities. These statistics highlight the significant portion of elderly individuals relying on long-term care services.
Future projections
According to ConsumerAffairs, more than 20% of Florida’s population is over 65, and this number is likely to grow as more people retire here. Nursing homes are an important part of the healthcare system, providing necessary care to a considerable portion of the elderly population. With the expected rise in the number of elderly individuals in Florida, the demand for these services will continue to grow.
Understanding the demand for nursing home care can help you prepare to find the right facility for your loved one.