New York, NY—Across the United States, skilled nursing facilities stand as essential pillars for supporting the health and wellness of our most vulnerable populations. Yet, despite their critical role, these institutions continuously grapple with a plethora of challenges that threaten their ability to provide care. As a lifeline for many, the sector calls for immediate and substantial support to ensure its sustainability and effectiveness.
Skilled nursing facilities cater to patients who require around-the-clock care, including those recovering from surgery, strokes, or dealing with chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease. These facilities act as a bridge between hospital and home for many, providing physical therapy, skilled nursing care, and, critically, a place for monitored recovery.
However, the industry faces significant hurdles. Financial strains, staffing shortages, and regulatory burdens weigh heavily, impacting the quality of care and operational capacity. A recent survey by the American Health Care Association revealed that approximately 75% of nursing homes are currently struggling to hire staff, which in turn affects their ability to accept new patients.
“This is not just a challenge but a crisis in care,” said Dr. Susan Turney, CEO of the not-for-profit health system, Marshfield Clinic Health System, highlighting the sector’s predicament. “Without the necessary support and resources, we risk witnessing a decline in the quality of care our elderly or disabled populations receive—a situation we cannot afford.”
Indeed, the COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the situation, revealing and amplifying the vulnerabilities within the skilled nursing sector. The pandemic has underscored the urgent need for robust infection control measures, adequate staffing levels, and financial resilience in these facilities.
Furthermore, the sector is at a pivotal juncture as the baby boomer generation ages, and the demand for skilled nursing and long-term care services is expected to surge. This demographic shift presents both a challenge and an opportunity to reimagine and reform the delivery of care in these facilities to ensure they can meet future demand.
Key stakeholders, including policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the broader community, are urged to collaborate in addressing the challenges faced by skilled nursing facilities. Potential strategies include increasing Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement rates to reflect the true cost of care, offering incentives to attract and retain staff, and investing in innovative care models that improve efficiency and patient outcomes.
The call to action is clear: Skilled nursing facilities are an indispensable part of the healthcare continuum, providing a lifeline for many. It is essential that the sector receives the support and resources it needs to thrive. As Dr. Turney aptly puts it, “We have an obligation to ensure these facilities can fulfill their mission, for the sake of all those who depend on their care now and in the future.”