Disproportionate Rise in Black, Latino Older Adults Receiving Care in Nursing Homes

A continued disproportionate rise in Black and Latino older adults’ (OAs) use of nursing homes (NHs) persists while the number of NHs serving this population have declined, according to study authors.

Researchers conducted an observational study from 2011 to 2017 analyzing facility-level data from LTCfocus and included all NH residents in United States NHs participating in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services program on the first Thursday in April during those years.

The LTCfocus dataset excluded any NHs with fewer than 4500 bed-days per year and the study focused on Black, Latino, and White racial/ethnic groups.

The sample of NHs reportedly ranged from 15,564 in 2011 to 14,956 in 2017. Black residents’ use of NHs increased by 11.42% and Latino residents’ use increased by 20.47%, but researchers observed a 1.36% decrease in White residents’ use of NHs.

During the study period, authors observed 4.44%, 6.41%, and 2.26% declines in NHs that served Black, Latino, and White OAs, respectively—demonstrating a potential racial disparity.

“This work can inform federal and state policies to ensure access to long-term care services and supports in the community for all OAs and prevent inappropriate NH closures,” wrote researchers.

Reference:
Travers JL, Dick AW, Wu B, et al. A profile of Black and Latino older adults receiving care in nursing homes: 2011-2017. J Am Med Dir Assoc. Published online May 17, 2022. doi:10.1016/j.jamda.2022.04.010