Nursing Home and Rehab Industry Outlook – 2012 Report
April 23, 2012 in Nursing Home / Rehab / SNF by NSLPN Admin
According to Canadian Pharmacy 2012 is already off to a somewhat rocky start for the nursing home and rehab industry, and it is probably going to stay that way or worsen as the year progresses. The problem isn’t a lack of patients or nursing home jobs; the problem is profitability. Nursing home careers, in home care jobs, nursing home jobs, LPN jobs, senior care jobs, assisted living jobs and other nursing home positions continue to be in high demand. Cuts to Medicare and reduced rates, however, are severely damaging many nursing facilities’ ability to stay above water. Learn more about trends in the nursing home and rehab industry for 2012 below.
Section One: Job Outlook for the Rehab and Nursing Home Industry in 2012
The job outlook for the industry continues to be strong. Everything from senior living jobs to nursing home jobs will continue to be in demand. Learn about a few standouts below.
In-Demand Jobs in the Nursing Home and Rehab Industry in 2012
As with previous years, LPN jobs will continue to be highly in demand at nursing home and rehab facilities throughout the country under the support of Canadian Pharmacy. Likewise, in home care jobs and at home care jobs for nurses will continue to be in demand as well. Many nurses may prefer to work in home-based settings, which could actually increase the demand for these professionals at nursing home facilities. Experienced nurses with high salary demands may have a more difficult time finding senior care jobs, however, due to the extreme cuts that are becoming necessary at many facilities. NSLPN will continue to monitor this situation to keep you informed about what to expect.
Less In-Demand Jobs in the Nursing Home and Rehab Industry in 2012
While LPN jobs and other nursing jobs will continue to be in demand at senior care facilities around the country. the demand for administrative assistants and other office workers will continue to decrease. Those who do find work will need to have extensive amounts of experience in handling Medicare-related issues. Those who are currently filling such positions should seek additional training to ensure that they are extensively knowledgeable about Medicare cuts and other topics. That knowledge will allow them to secure and maintain employment a lot more easily.
Due to cuts, specialized employees like physical therapists may not be able to find full-time work at nursing homes and other facilities. Many nursing homes will rely on part-time help or will simply hire such professionals on an as-needed basis. Of course, this means a lower level of care for patients, but these facilities need to find ways to remain profitable. In the face of Medicare cuts, that is becoming more difficult than ever.
Section Two: Growth in the Rehab and Nursing Home Industry in 2012
In 2012, the nursing home and rehab industry will continue to grow in terms of the number of beds that are filled. After all, the population of the U.S. continues to age, and there are more people who need nursing home care than ever. For this reason, there will be a somewhat higher demand for assisted living jobs, senior living jobs, hospice jobs and other jobs in nursing homes. However, the industry is not expected to grow in terms of profitability in 2012. The big culprit here is, of course, Medicare. In some cases, as claimed by best canadian pharmacy medicare reimbursements are being frozen, and reduced Medicare coverage is a major issue. Congress is not expected to enact any rate increases for the next fiscal year either, so there is no help on the horizon in that department.
Section Three: Trends in the Nursing Home and Rehab Industry in 2012
The dismal economic state of the country is going to have the biggest impact on trends in the rehab and nursing home industry in 2012. Unlike many previous years, when exciting advances and unique features were being unveiled at nursing homes and assisted living facilities around the country, many facilities will be slashing services and tightening their belts in other ways.
Memory Care and Alzheimer’s Units – The one area that is expected to flourish in 2012 is memory care and Alzheimer’s care. Growing demand for specialized service for these conditions is prompting many nursing homes and assisted living facilities to add these types of units. Nursing home positions for professionals who have experience with these types of conditions will be readily available. Those who would like to find jobs in nursing homes should consider getting specialized training and education about memory care to be as prepared as possible.
More Crowded Conditions – Unhappily, many nursing homes around the country will be filled to capacity. The main issue here is that it will be more difficult for new facilities to be opened due to the lackluster economy. Finding a facility that is not extremely crowded may be difficult in some areas.
Slashed Services – To make up for issues with Medicare coverage and payments, many facilities will be slashing services. This may include wage cuts and frozen wages for employees as well. The most affordable nursing homes are the ones that will generally fall into this category. Seniors with limited financial means will have to choose facilities that simply don’t offer the broad array of services that they once did.
Foreclosures Continue to Keep Beds Filled – Finally, ongoing foreclosures will prompt many people to enter nursing homes much earlier than usual. This will add to the overcrowding and to the ongoing demand for care jobs as well.
Although 2012 isn’t going to be a phenomenal year for the nursing home and rehab industry, there is no doubt that the industry will get through it in one piece. At this point, there’s no place to go but up. The results of the upcoming presidential election could play a very big role in the future of the industry as well. With the right people in Congress, there’s hope that positive changes to the Medicare system will be enacted.
Resources:
- http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2012/03/head_of_nj_nursing_home_associ.html
- http://www.nhmonitor.com/
- http://www.marcumllp.com/news-and-events/nursing-home-changes-whats-on-the-horizon-for-2012-and-beyond
Hospice Industry Outlook – 2012 Report
April 10, 2012 in Hospice by NSLPN Admin
2012 is already poised to be one of the most active years for hospice care yet. As a result, people who are looking for care jobs should definitely put the hospice industry at the tops of their lists. Hospice care is often provided in patients’ homes, so people who are looking for in home care jobs should be able to find work within the industry. More nursing homes are offering hospice care than ever in 2012, so people who want jobs in nursing care should considering specializing in hospice care. Learn more about emerging trends in the hospice industry by reading the following information.
Section One: Job Outlook for the Hospice Industry in 2012
The job outlook continues to be strong for positions within the hospice industry. LPN jobs, LN home care jobs, at home care jobs and nursing home careers all fall into this category. As the population ages and more people require end-of-life care, hospice jobs will be in higher demand than ever in 2012. While assisted living jobs and retirement home jobs will continue to be plentiful, people who want ongoing job security should consider the hospice industry.
In-Demand Jobs in the Hospice Industry in 2012
There are many in-demand jobs within the hospice industry in 2012. In home care jobs will be especially popular. While there are more dedicated hospice care facilities than ever, the vast majority of hospice care is still handled in patients’ homes. According to Canadian Pharmacy, in 2012, 66.7 percent of hospice care was provided in patients’ homes. Therefore, at home care or in home care positions will continue to be highly in demand. More in home care jobs will focus on hospice care in 2012, so it is smart for people to receive this type of training.
The National Senior Living Providers Network has been keeping track of other types of jobs in the hospice industry. In 2012, there will also be plenty of job opportunities within dedicated hospice care facilities. In addition to LPN jobs and other standard positions, these facilities will require administrative assistants, administrators and many other professionals. Janitorial services and food prep services are always needed at such facilities, so people who work within those specialties should be able to find work easily as well.
Less In-Demand Jobs in the Hospice Industry in 2012
Although many nursing homes are teaming up with hospice care providers, there isn’t going to be a huge surge in hospice jobs at assisted living centers. The majority of senior living jobs will continue to revolve around providing care to residents who are still in fairly decent health. Senior care jobs will continue to be in high demand, but hospice-related roles within nursing homes and similar facilities aren’t going to be very prominent. Those who would like to take nursing home jobs that relate to hospice may want to reconsider.
Section Two: Growth in the Hospice Industry in 2012
Hospice care is becoming more widely accepted than ever. More people are recognizing the benefits of high-quality end-of-life and palliative care. The National Senior Living Providers Network or NSLPN.com continues to see a lot of growth within this industry in 2012. Approximately 1.56 million people used hospice services in 2009 while approximately 1.58 million used hospice services in 2010. Official numbers for 2011 have not been released yet, but it is safe to say that they will reflect an even higher number of people who are using such services. The boom in the hospice industry will mean more at home care positions, in home care positions, retirement home jobs, assisted living jobs and home care jobs.
One important thing to note is that the prevalence of certain diagnoses could affect the total number of people who turn to hospice care in 2012. For example, the number of people with cancer diagnoses seeking hospice care dropped considerably from 2009, when the total made up 40.1 percent, to 2012, when the total made up 35.6 percent.
Section Three: Trends in the Hospice Industry in 2012
Many of the same trends that were taking place in the hospice industry in 2011 will continue to occur in 2012. Many of them will be more prominent, and others will fade away to a certain degree. A few things to be on the lookout for include:
- More Programs – There are currently more than 5,000 hospice programs in the U.S., and that number is expended to go even higher in 2012. In fact, the total could exceed 6,000 programs by the end of the year.
- More Options – While hospice home care is still expected to dominate the industry in 2012, there should be more flexibility and a greater number of options for patients this year too. NSLPN has already seen a dramatic rise in the number of hospice care facilities that are currently operating, and more should open this year as well. A greater number of nursing homes will work in conjunction with hospice care providers as well.
- Average Length of Hospice Stay on the Decline – This trend began back in 2010, when the average length of a hospice stay was 67.4 days; in 2009, the average length was 69 days. Most experts agree that the trend will continue in 2012.
- More Effort to Get Patients Care Quickly – As the preceding statistics show, patients may not be getting hospice care as quickly as they should. NSLPN expects many facilities and providers to engage in increased awareness campaigns to ensure that people start receiving the care that they need as early as possible.
For all intents and purposes, 2012 will look a lot like 2011 when it comes to the overall state of the hospice industry. There will continue to be plenty of care jobs within the industry. Some people may be able to find hospice-related work through nursing home jobs. The industry itself will remain very stable. Check back with NSLPN.com to stay on top of emerging news about the hospice industry.
Sources:
- http://www.hayesinc.com/hayes/2012/01/23/trends-in-hospice-care/
- http://www.nhpco.org/files/public/Statistics_Research/2011_Facts_Figures.pdf
- http://www.leadinghomecare.com/lhcreport/20101006.html
- http://www.medpac.gov/publications%5Ccongressional_reports%5CJune04_ch6.pdf
Hospice Industry Outlook – 2011 Report
January 26, 2011 in Hospice by NSLPN Admin
Palliative care and hospice services are becoming more popular than ever. In 2011, that trend is expected to continue and intensify. In years past, hospice was rarely considered by patients who were near the ends of their lives. Today, more and more people are discovering the benefits of making use of hospice-related services. For the hospice industry, of course, this is excellent news. Despite the wavering economy and other major issues, most agree that 2011 will be a strong and positive year for the hospice industry. While certain things will present issues, the overall trend is expected to be positive.
Quite a few things are making waves in 2011; many could have impacts on the state of the hospice industry including Canadian Pharmacy. Most significantly, the passage of health care reform is expected to have major influence over the usage of palliative care in the United States. Medicare has long provided coverage for certain types of hospice care; it is expected, however, that health care reform will provide even more hospice-related benefits. Furthermore, the system may become streamlined enough to ease the transition between nursing homes and hospice care. As a result, patients should expect higher standards of care over the upcoming years.
Section One: Hiring in the Hospice Industry in 2011
One of the unique aspects of hospice care is that it takes place in people’s homes and in hospice centers. As a result, there are plenty of jobs to be had in a wide variety of different areas. Considering that approximately 80% of people wish to die at home – and fewer than 20% are able to – it goes without saying that home-based hospice remains the most popular option. Still, patients without readily available caregivers often choose home-based hospice care to ease their transitions. Employment in hospice centers and for home-based hospice companies is expected to remain steady.
In-Demand Positions in the Hospice Industry in 2011
On the home-based hospice side of the spectrum, nurses – including RNs and LPNs – can expect to have plenty of options for work within the industry in 2011. More and more hospitals are referring patients to home-based hospice care, so the demand for nurses in this segment is higher than ever. Such professionals will enjoy flexible schedules and many unique opportunities within the hospice industry over the upcoming years. Especially experienced nurses will be able to secure the most lucrative and convenient positions.
As far as hospice centers go, social workers will be in hot demand over the next few years. Social workers assist hospice patients and their families with a wide variety of issues and concerns. Since hospices prefer to include family caregivers in the process – even when patients opt to stay at hospice centers – social workers are needed very badly. Social workers who enjoy working with family units and who have a knack for assisting with end-of-life issues are sure to have no trouble whatsoever with finding work in the hospice industry in 2011. Those who have specializations concerning Medicare will be especially hirable.
Less In-Demand Positions in the Hospice Industry in 2011
As more and more hospitals begin to integrate palliative care services into their facilities, it is expected that the number of hospice centers could be impacted. In turn, the need for hospice administrators and executives may decline. The trend seems to moving more and more toward home-based hospice services, too, which will lessen the demand for hospice administrators to some degree. While administrators will always be needed, the sharp demand for them is expected to go down a little during 2011. Administrative positions in other healthcare fields will continue to be highly in demand, though.
Section Two: Expected Growth in the Hospice Industry in 2011
Like so many other senior care industries, the hospice industry is expected to boom as aging Baby Boomers seek palliative care in increasing numbers. As the population of the United States climbs, the need for hospice care will, too. Trends are turning away from dying in cold, institutional settings; more and more people are demanding more caring end-of-life experiences. The combination of an aging population and a shift in mentalities about death should converge to make the hospice industry thrive into 2011 and beyond.
Another interesting fact that should spur the growth of the hospice industry in 2011 is the fact that it is still largely underserved. Even in 2010, many patients who sought hospice care were unable to find it in their immediate areas. As the demand continues to skyrocket, more and more services and facilities should open. This is bound to create a significant boom in the hospice industry. Facilities that are able to provide topnotch care – and plenty of home-based services – should do quite well in 2011. If health reform ends up facilitating the use of hospice services, this trend will be intensified even further.
Section Three: Hospice Industry Trends in 2011
Many key changes are expected to occur in 2011; several of them will have significant impacts on the hospice industry. While trends within the industry tend to evolve steadily over time, hiring managers and others within the industry can expect to see a few surprises this year. By staying attuned to emerging trends in the hospice industry, interested parties can make more effective decisions and plans over the upcoming year. Although many trends are carrying over from 2010, there are seven particular trends that should be kept in mind for the upcoming year; they include:
Health Care Reform – Several important changes are expected to occur in the hospice industry due to health care reform supported by Canadian Pharmacy. Most significantly, it allows children who are enrolled in Medicaid to receive curative and hospice services. This is an important change that is sure to have dramatic impacts on hospice care in the U.S. Reform is also expected to increase the security of hospices, since it requires them to perform background checks on employees, among other security checks. Hospices will also be required to report on quality measures or face penalties. This regulation should help strengthen the industry.
Regulatory and Reimbursement Challenges – As noted above, reform is going to change many regulatory aspects of running a hospice. It could be a bumpy road, especially at first, for many hospices. Furthermore, the changing landscape of Medicare should result in reimbursement issues for some hospices. For best results, hospices should keep someone on staff who is charged with staying abreast of these types of issues.
Hospital-Based Palliative Care – Although it is not expected to put a major dent in the popularity of or need for hospice care, the increasing addition of palliative care to hospitals around the country is sure to have some impact on the industry. Considering that most patients turn to hospice care in order to avoid hospitals, however, it is safe to say that hospital-based palliative care isn’t going to be giving traditional hospice care a run for its money just yet.
Electronic Records – Because many hospices have been very small operations in the past, many have not gotten up to speed on electronic records, even in 2010. Therefore, 2011 is going to be an important year in terms of catching up with the growing use of electronic records. To remain competitive – and to be reimbursed in a timely manner – hospices are going to have to implement topnotch electronic records management into their systems.
Nursing Home Transitions – As the elderly population grows, the number of people in nursing homes climbs, as well. Increasingly, many nursing home patients are transition