Long-term care in the U.S. will likely benefit from advances in technology over the next ten years that will enable an increasing number of older people to reside at home. In the U.S., there will be a rise in the number of assisted living facilities for people who are afflicted with functional impairment. In addition, there will be Memory Care Units for those with moderate dementia.

Furthermore, the formation of group homes for elders suffering from dementia will contribute to the quality of life of everyone as we get older. Examples of such homes are those in Hokkaido in Japan, “Alzheimer’s villages,” and “Greenhouse” facilities that concentrate on functional decline. Moreover, over the next 10 years, it is anticipated that the culture change movement will continue to develop, and will result in a deinstitutionalization of the culture and surroundings in which care for older people is rendered. Consequently, more attention will be paid to the individual, and care will be de-medicalized in return for creating more activities and friendship for those who reside in institutions.

There has been an effort to reduce hospital readmission in the 30 days after hospitalization. In order to provide for this, physicians are increasingly working as skilled nursing facility providers. They have also been working alongside advanced practice nurses to improve the quality of long-term care. It is predicted that there will be a significant increase in the number advanced practice nurses in nursing homes over the next 10 years.

A novel approach to providing on-time medical care in nursing homes is called telemedicine. Intensive care units across the nation are currently using nurses along with a backup from doctors to check on patients remotely. A similar system will likely be created for nursing homes. In order to facilitate this, electronic health records (EHR) will need to be introduced in nursing homes.

If your loved one was abused at a nursing home, our nursing home abuse lawyers can help. Contact us today to learn more and to schedule your free consultation.