As life expectancy increases, our population is aging rapidly. In 2012, those who are alive and aged 65 years can expect to live until 2030.1 Of people currently > 65 years, 3.6% reside in nursing homes, occupying 86% of the 1.7 million available beds.(1,2) By 2030, an additional 1 million long-term care facility (LTCF) beds to accommodate older adults will be needed. Beyond age-related conditions, veterans who require long-term care may also need treatment for neurocognitive illnesses and social problems. Based on data from 2000, about 200,000 veterans require long-term care each day.(3)
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