By 2030, there will be about 65 million older people, two and one-half times their number in 1980. The most rapid increase is expected between the years 2010 and 2030 when the Baby Boom generation reaches 65. However, only 13 of the 126 U.S. medical schools require either a course or a clinical rotation in geriatrics. Low Medicaid reimbursement has many repercussions as quality care becomes threatened. Nursing homes have tremendous difficulty in competing for nurses with hospitals and other health services.
Women are more likely than men of comparable ages to enter a nursing home.
Nursing homes are one of the nation's most heavily regulated industries.