The Economic Recession and Its Effects on Nursing Home Placement and Prevention A Preliminary Review Based on 2008-2009 Events in Utah

The population of the United States is aging at an unprecedented rate with life expectancy nearly doubling during the 20th century. Since the 1900s, the number of Americans aged 65 and older has increased ten-fold. People are living longer with increased risk of living with chronic diseases and degenerative illnesses putting them at a higher risk for nursing home placement. Older adults prefer to age in place as opposed to nursing home placement. National spending for long-term care, primarily nursing home care, costs billions of dollars. This economic downturn has rippled throughout the nation causing national, state, and local budget cuts. While cutting costs and still trying to accommodate older adult's preferences to age in place, alternatives to nursing home care are being considered and implemented throughout the nation. This project is a preliminary review of events in Utah since 2008 when the economic recession was declared. Additionally, this project examined if home and communitybased programs and other program options prevent nursing home placement in Salt Lake County. The conclusion is that nursing home placement has not increased but, in fact, slightly decreased during the current economic recession. Concurrently, home and community-based services were funded and nursing home admissions did not increase. Aging services in Salt Lake County can be considered a buffer for nursing home placement especially during a time of economic crisis.