Annals of Internal Medicine · 2022 · 14 citations · 28 references
Public AffairsGeriatric MedicineHealth PolicyGeriatricsLong-term Care PolicyPatient SafetyAssisted Living PolicyLong-term Care CoverageLong-term Care ManagementLong-term Care SystemsLong-term SupportsCoverageHealthcare Workforce ShortagesLong-term Care Financing ReformLong-term Care ReformLong-term Services CoverageLong-term Services FinancingLong-term Supports CoverageService Shortages
The number of Americans aged 65 years or older is expected to increase in the coming decades. Because the risk for disability increases with age, more persons will need long-term services and supports (LTSS) to help with bathing, eating, dressing, and other everyday tasks. Long-term services and supports are delivered in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, the person's home, and other settings. However, the LTSS sector faces several challenges, including keeping patients and staff safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, workforce shortages, quality problems, and fragmented coverage options. In this position paper, the American College of Physicians offers policy recommendations on LTSS coverage, financing, workforce, safety and quality, and emergency preparedness and calls on policymakers and other stakeholders to reform and improve the LTSS sector so that care is high quality, accessible, equitable, and affordable.
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