Boomers: Make plans for skilled nursing facilities or get left behind | Goodall

A few years ago, everyone was talking about the “Baby Boomer” generation, the largest population group in history. Today, it is estimated that there are over 76 million Boomers in the United States. Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) began turning 65 in 2011. The older population has been growing for the past 100 years, but the decade before 2020 saw its fastest increase since 1880 to 1890. From 2010 to 2020, the 65-plus population experienced its:

• Largest-ever 10-year numeric gain — an increase of 15.5 million people
• Largest-ever percentage increase, from 13.0% to 16.8% of the population
•  Fastest growth rate, 38.6% from 40.3 million to 55.8 million

Of course, people didn’t stop getting older in 2020, and the oldest Boomer will turn 80 this year.

Increased age means increased need for health services. When the Boomer group members need to go to nursing homes, will they be available?

Unfortunately, maybe not.

A recent study published by the American Medical Association reported that in 2022, up to 35% of skilled nursing facilities reported staffing shortages in the reporting week, and by 2024, 46% were limiting new admissions. Moreover, 20% had closed entire units due to staffing shortages. The number of licensed skilled nursing beds has declined since 2019, with 15% of counties experiencing declines of 15% or more, with rural counties experiencing the worst. Nationally, there were 6% fewer beds open for new admissions in 2024, relative to 2019, even though a vast number of Boomers are aging into a need for those beds.

What’s a Boomer to do?

First, make sure your have supporters. Have you designated business and medical agents? Don’t stop at a primary agent; name an alternate. Statistically, it is likely that if husbands and wives only name each other, there is going to be vacancy. If you’re in the hospital and need to be discharged to a skilled nursing facility, is there an agent empowered to explore options and make decisions for you? You can’t inspect nursing homes when you’re flat on your back in a hospital, and if you’ve fallen or suddenly ended up in a hospital for some other reason, going home may not be an option.

Second, explore your available options before you need them. The average age in moving to a senior community was 75, according to a National Association of Realtors article, and downsizing out of a family home is the hardest transition you’ll make. There are facilities with life care contacts, but they often have years long waiting lists and are limited to relatively healthy applicants. Find a facility you like, put your name on the list as soon as possible, and realize that unless you decide to move forward with an application before you absolutely have to, you may lose this option. As a large number of Boomers are competing for a smaller number of desirable spaces, competition can only increase.

Finally, have a financial plan. Right now, help is available through Medicaid, but if you’ve consumed all your resources before needing assistance, you may lose your ability to make a choice or support your spouse. Don’t forget that Pennsylvania has a filial support law, and if you have improperly handled your resources, your children may become liable for your nursing home and other medical costs.

Amos Goodall is a retired certified elder law attorney and fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel who has practiced in Centre County since 1976. He is Of Counsel to Steinbacher, Goodall & Yurchak.