About Long Term Care Population projections for residents at least 85 years of age Year Because of the progress made in medical technology and discovery of better medications, the population of the US continues to grow older. The population of elderly over the age of 85 is currently about 2 million. This number is expected to rise to 13 million by the year 2040 - resulting in an increased number of frail older adults that require skilled nursing care. The figure below represents the levels of care available in today's healthcare system.
Acute care is the highest level of care and it is usually provided in a hospital setting.
On the other end of the spectrum, independent living residents do not receive assistance in any aspect of their daily life. All Rights Reserved.