Demographics changing in nursing homes as Caucasians find alternatives

A recent study finds that the number of Hispanic, Asian and African-American nursing home residents is on the rise, while Caucasians are seeking alternatives. Rather than signal greater access for minorities to nursing homes, it’s a reflection of income disparity. From Senior Housing News: Many Americans are choosing alternatives to nursing homes as they get older, which means that nursing homes are getting smaller, and the demographics are starting to shift. A new study shows that Hispanic, Asian, and African-American presence in nursing homes has increased significantly in the past decade or so, while the number of Caucasians has shrunk. Brown University researchers published a study in the July edition of Health Affairs, saying this trend stems from changing demographics and disparities in what people can afford. While at first glance it may seem that minorities are gaining greater access to nursing home care, this growth is more likely due to the fact that blacks, Hispanics, and Asians aren’t as able to afford more desirable forms of health care as wealthier whites are, says Zhanlian Feng, assistant professor of community health in the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. “Seemingly, we are closing the gap in terms of minority access to nursing home beds, but I don’t think that is something to celebrate,” says Feng. “They are really the last resort. Most elders would rather stay in their homes, or some place like home, but not a nursing home unless they have to.”
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