BUS FPX 3026 Assessment 7 Meeting the Health Care Needs of an Aging Population

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Capella University

BUS-FPX3026 Foundations and Future of Health Care Delivery Management

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Introduction

By the year 2030, 20% of the U.S. population will be 65 years or older, which marks a 7% increase from 2010 (Ellison, 2015). As a hospital healthcare administrator, understanding the implications of this demographic shift is crucial for both the organization and the community. The growing aging population affects the healthcare industry in multiple ways, including financial strain, workforce challenges, and increased care utilization. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the present and future impact of the aging population on hospitals, review current and projected demographic trends, explore community options to meet the needs of seniors, and provide recommendations to address these challenges.

Present and Future Impact on Hospitals by the Aging Population

Hospitals are already facing numerous challenges such as capacity constraints, nursing shortages, and reimbursement reductions, and these issues are further exacerbated by the increase in the aging population. According to the Healthy People 2020 initiative, which started in 2010, there is a focus on communities and healthcare organizations working together to measure and benchmark preventive healthcare initiatives while encouraging individuals to take a more proactive role in their health (HealthyPeople.gov, n.d.). One of the initiative’s objectives is to improve the health and well-being of older adults. The U.S. Census Bureau (2018) has predicted that by 2035, individuals 65 years or older will outnumber children, highlighting the potential strain on healthcare services due to chronic illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancer, which are prevalent among older adults (HealthyPeople.gov, n.d.).

The growing elderly population not only increases the utilization of healthcare services but also affects hospital revenue, staffing, and patient care strategies. Medicare, the primary insurer for individuals aged 65 and older, typically reimburses hospitals at lower rates than commercial insurance (Ellison, 2015). This situation could impact hospital finances, especially if care quality is compromised, leading to penalties from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) (Tine Health, 2017). Hospital administrators must implement quality improvement programs to reduce hospital-acquired infections and improve overall patient care. Additionally, with nursing shortages across the country, administrators must ensure adequate staffing by collaborating with the Human Resources (HR) department to focus on recruitment, retention, and succession planning as older employees approach retirement (Ellison, 2015).

Current and Projected Future Demographic Breakdown of the Aging Population

The World Bank (n.d.) reports a steady increase in the U.S. population from 1960 to 2017, with approximately 36 million more people in 2017 compared to 1960. According to the U.S. Census Bureau (n.d.), the population of Columbus, Georgia, was 194,058 as of July 2017, with 12% of that population being 65 years or older. This percentage mirrors the senior population in the entire state of Georgia, where nearly 14% of residents are seniors (U.S. Census Bureau, n.d.). The city’s population is almost evenly divided by gender, and the median income stands at just over $43,000, with about 22% living below the poverty line (U.S. Census Bureau, n.d.).

In terms of racial demographics, Columbus is almost equally composed of white and black citizens, with less than 10% identifying as Asian or Hispanic (U.S. Census Bureau, n.d.). The city has three hospitals—two nonprofit and one for-profit—that serve its population. As the senior population grows, these hospitals, along with other community resources, must be prepared to address the increased healthcare needs of aging residents.

Community Options Available to Meet Current and Future Needs

Columbus offers several community resources for its aging population, primarily through the River Valley Regional Commission (RVRC) and the River Valley Area Agency on Aging (AAA). These organizations provide various programs such as “Georgia Cares,” which offers assistance with Medicare, case management services, caregiver support, and senior center activities (GeorgiaCares, n.d.). In addition, assistive technology is available, offering devices such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, and other tools to aid seniors in their daily activities (RVRC, n.d.).

YMCA facilities in Columbus also offer the “Silver Sneakers” program, which provides free gym memberships and fitness classes for Medicare beneficiaries. The community also has several retirement homes, long-term nursing facilities, and adult daycare centers to meet the growing needs of seniors. One notable retirement facility, Spring Harbor, offers a variety of housing options and healthcare services, including wellness programs, rehabilitation services, and on-site medical care (Spring Harbor, n.d.).

Recommendations to Help Meet Needs

According to VanBooven (2019), seniors face various challenges regarding healthcare, including medication costs, transportation, and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs). One recommendation is to expand home care options for seniors, which could include telehealth services and home care assistants (VanBooven, 2019). Telehealth allows seniors to consult with healthcare providers from the comfort of their homes, reducing financial and transportation barriers. As baby boomers tend to be more tech-savvy, many are capable of using digital health tools, making telehealth a viable option for this generation (Eagle, 2014).

Given that baby boomers expect high-quality care and personalized healthcare experiences, hospitals must adapt their services to meet these expectations. This requires investing in technology, staff training, and patient-centered care strategies to remain competitive and meet the needs of the aging population.

Conclusion

The rise in the aging population presents both opportunities and challenges for hospitals. Administrators must integrate this demographic shift into their strategic planning, ensuring that they have adequate staffing and resources to provide quality care. Collaboration with community resources is essential to provide cost-effective care. As baby boomers continue to age, hospitals must prioritize high-quality care and exceptional patient experiences to remain a preferred healthcare provider.

References

Eagle, A. (2014, November 5). Boomers put new demands on health care design. HFMMagazine. Retrieved from https://www.hfmmagazine.com

Ellison, A. (n.d.). The aging population’s effect on hospital finances: 5 findings. Becker’s Hospital Review. Retrieved from https://www.beckershospitalreview.com

GeorgiaCares. (n.d.). GeorgiaCares home. Retrieved from http://www.mygeorgiacares.org/

Healthy People.gov. (n.d.). Older adults. Retrieved from https://www.healthypeople.gov

RVRC. (n.d.). Local office. Retrieved from http://www.rivervalleyrc.org

Spring Harbor. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved from https://www.springharborlife.org/