Washington, D.C. — According to a recent study published in JAMA, nursing home operating capacity across the United States has plummeted by 5% since 2020. This 5% decline represents a larger reduction in operating capacity than the decline in licensed beds alone, highlighting how usable capacity has fallen more steeply than bed counts suggest.
The decline has been particularly acute, with more than a quarter of counties experiencing reductions of 15% or more. These losses are straining post-acute care services, making it tougher for patients to find nursing home placements. Rural areas are feeling the pressure most acutely, leading to prolonged hospital stays and increased travel distances for patients seeking care.
Reports indicate that post-pandemic shifts have exacerbated these capacity issues. Staffing shortages, alongside a slowdown in new facility construction, have limited the ability of operators to meet growing demand.
Researchers and industry stakeholders have highlighted staffing shortages as a likely driver of capacity declines and a continuing challenge for providers. Long-standing workforce and financial pressures have raised broader questions about how to support access to post-acute care, though specific policy responses are still evolving.
While specific financial impacts and regulatory responses remain unclear, the current trends suggest a significant reevaluation of resources and strategies might be necessary to accommodate the growing needs of the aging population.
