residence
among persons by age group. It is important to note
that rates of nursing home use increase significantly
with age.
| |
1985 |
1995 |
1997 |
| Total |
|
|
|
| 65
or Older |
54.0 |
45.9 |
45.3 |
| 65 to
74 |
12.5 |
10.1 |
10.8 |
| 75 to
84 |
57.7 |
45.9 |
45.5 |
| 85 or
Older |
220.3 |
198.6 |
192.0 |
Source:
Federal Agency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics.
Older Americans 2000: Key Indicators of Well-Being.
Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics,
Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office. August
200.
- FACT:
The average lifetime nursing home use per person is
approximately one year. Statistics on length of stay
and nursing home use should be interpreted with caution;
however, because the true patterns of nursing home
use are dynamic and difficult for researchers to measure.
Myth:
Individuals over the age of 65 face the same risk of
needing long term care based on their age.
- FACT:
There are dramatic differences in the need for long
term care between those 65 and 85 years of age. Individuals
85 and older need more help with activities of daily
living and as a result experience increased rates
of home care and nursing home care (Stone, 2000).
|
