The Future of Post Acute Care is a National Imperative
Understanding the Crisis
The skilled nursing, assisted living, and senior care sector stands at a critical crossroads. Despite serving as an essential component of our healthcare infrastructure this vital industry faces unprecedented challenges that demand immediate attention and strategic solutions. Our think tank emerged from the urgent need to address these complexities and shape sustainable solutions for the future of healthcare delivery.
The Scope of Need
By 2030, an estimated 70 million Americans will be over 65, and projections indicate that 70% of this population will require some form of long-term care services in their lifetime. Despite these statistics, our healthcare system remains unprepared for this demographic shift. The reality is stark: every American family will likely face decisions about senior care, yet public understanding and policy attention remain insufficient.
A Complex Web of Industry Challenges
Staffing Crisis
The current staffing crisis extends beyond simple workforce shortages. We recognize:
- Critical vacancy rates exceeding 25% in key clinical positions
- Unsustainable turnover rates in some markets
- Increasing care complexity requiring specialized skills
- Regulatory pressures that often fail to account for local labor market realities
- Reimbursement Inadequacies
- The financial structure of post acute care faces systematic challenges:
- Medicaid rates that fall below the cost of care in most states
- Complex Medicare reimbursement systems that often fail to reflect true care costs
- Insufficient recognition of specialized care programs in payment models
- Limited capital for modernization and innovation
Quality of Care Evolution
While the industry strives for excellence, several factors impact care delivery:
- Increasing medical complexity of residents
- Rising expectation for person-centered care
- Need for specialized programs (like memory care, ventilator care)
- Technology integration requirements
- Aging physical infrastructure
- Confronting Industry Stigma
- The skilled nursing sector faces persistent stigma and misconceptions that impact everything from workforce recruitment to policy decisions. This stigma:
- Deters potential healthcare workers from considering long-term care careers
- Influences public policy and funding decisions
- Creates barriers to innovation and investment
- Overshadows the vital role these facilities play in the healthcare continuum
Knowledge Gap
A fundamental lack of understanding about post-acute and long-term care exists among:
- General public
- Healthcare policy makers
- Healthcare partners
- Educational institutions
- Media organizations
This knowledge gap results in:
- Insufficient policy attention
- Inadequate resource allocation
- Limited educational focus
- Reduced pipeline of future workers and leaders
Why This Matters to Everyone
The state of the post-acute care industry impacts all Americans:
- Everyone has aging family and friends who may need care
- Current workforce challenges affect care availability and quality
- Healthcare costs impact state and federal budgets
- The growing aging population will increase demand for services
- Today’s decisions shape tomorrow’s care options
ASI's Role in Driving Change
As a think tank focused on this sector, we:
- Bridge the Knowledge Gap
- Provide expert analysis
- Translate complex issues for stakeholders
- Document best practices and innovations
- Provide thought-leadership for sustainable solutions
- Engage with legislative and regulatory bodies
- Support Policy Evolution
- Identify emerging trends and opportunities
- Promote innovation in care delivery
- Foster partnerships and collaboration
- Champion workforce development initiates
Looking Forward
The challenges facing skilled nursing and senior care require immediate attention and strategic thinking. Our vision extends beyond simple analysis—we are committed to driving meaningful change that ensures high-quality, accessible care for future generations. Through research, advocacy, and collaboration, we work to transform these challenges into opportunities for innovation and improvement.
The quality of senior care affects every American family, either directly or indirectly. By addressing these critical issues now, we invest in a healthcare system capable of meeting the needs of an aging population while supporting the dedicated professionals who provide this essential care.