2011 is sure to bring about many changes with the nursing home and rehab industry. Unlike many years, though, these changes may be a bit more subtle than usual. The passage of healthcare reform in early 2010 definitely set the stage for many dramatic changes within the industry; however, the full impact of those changes shouldn’t be felt for another year or two. Still, reform is going to shape and color many of the trends in the nursing home and rehab industry in 2011, so hiring manager and other industry professionals should take note.

Section One: Job Outlook for the Nursing Home and Rehab Industry in 2011

Healthcare is usually a safe bet for anyone who wants steady, long-term employment. Even during poor economic times, people need health care. As the population in the U.S. continues to age, topnotch care for the elderly is more in-demand than ever. That doesn’t mean that all careers within the industry are protected from the lackluster economy, though. Like many other businesses, many nursing homes and rehab facilities are looking to cut financial corners wherever they can. To get a feel for the jobs that will be in-demand and less in-demand, check out the info below.

In-Demand Jobs in the Nursing Home and Rehab Industry in 2011

Nurses, including LPNs and RNs, will remain in high demand within the rehab and nursing home industry in 2011. These skilled and highly trained professionals provide some of the most critical care at such facilities, allowing them to conduct their day-to-day business. Since nursing homes and rehab facilities are designed for those who need extra medical care and attention, it makes sense that RNs and LPNs should continue to be mainstays. Nurse’s assistants might see a spike in demand, too, but licensed nurses will hold their positions.

Janitorial and maintenance roles will increasingly be merged into single positions at many nursing homes. Essentially, such facilities will hire “handymen” who will be able to tackle the cleanup and care of the grounds and buildings. Candidates who have a broad array of knowledge and experience with maintenance and janitorial sciences will have the greatest success of finding employment within the rehab and nursing home industry. More and more “jacks of all trades” will find steady employment in these facilities, since they basically provide the services of two employees for the salary of one.

Less In-Demand Jobs in the Rehab and Nursing Home Industry in 2011

It’s becoming easier and more affordable than ever for all types of businesses to outsource their administrative functions. Things like basic data entry and human resources services can easily be sourced out to inexpensive contractors; many nursing homes and rehab facilities will turn to such services in 2011. As a result, those who are seeking clerical positions within the industry will have a hard time of things. Those who already hold such positions aren’t likely to give them up – or be promoted – in the current economic climate.

Maintenance positions will be less in-demand within the nursing home and rehab industry in 2011, as such roles are merged with janitorial positions. In the past, such facilities often kept separate maintenance and janitorial personnel on staff. As budgetary constraints mount, more and more facilities are looking to merge such roles into one. People who are strictly trained and experienced in the maintenance field will have more difficulty finding jobs within the industry in 2011. To stay competitive, they should add janitorial experience to the resumes if they want to land jobs in nursing homes and rehab facilities in 2011.

Growth in the Nursing Home and Rehab Industry in 2011

As has been the case for the last several years, the steadily aging population of the United States will prompt additional growth within the nursing home and rehab industry in 2011. Baby boomers are just getting into old age; most will be able to remain on their own or in independent living facilities. However, more and more will be requiring the more intensive care of rehab facilities and nursing homes. Either way, there is little chance of a decline in the popularity of such facilities, since the elderly will continue to need such services.

While growth will continue in the industry in 2011, it could slow down a little. The main reason for that revolves around healthcare reform. Medicaid payments to facilities within the industry are predicted to be cut considerably over the next year or two as reform starts kicking in. For a while, there could be a lull in the growth and demand for nursing homes and rehab facilities. Chances are, though, that the slowdown will be minimal. Few facilities will be dramatically affected by the changes, at least during 2011; more dramatic impacts will be felt next year.

Healthcare reform may have a bit of a negative impact on the nursing home and rehab industry at first; however, it is believed that reform will simplify the way in which the elderly pay for such facilities in the long run. Nursing homes and rehab facilities are recognized as needs by most healthcare practitioners. As a result, reform may actual spur a bit more growth within the nursing home and rehab industry in 2011. At this point, it is still too soon to say whether the net effect of reform will be positive, negative or neutral.

Section Three: Trends in the Nursing Home and Rehab Industry in 2011

Some of the trends within the nursing home and rehab industry in 2011 will be carried over from the previous year. Some will intensify, and others will be completely new. Professionals within the industry, including hiring managers, should try to stay on top of these trends in order to perform their duties more efficiently and effectively. While not all of these trends will be felt in every single nursing home and rehab facility, they should color the industry as a whole in 2011.

1. Roomier Accommodations – Senior citizens have more clout than ever, as their numbers continue to grow. As a result, you can expect to see roomier accommodations within nursing homes and rehab facilities than ever in 2011. Private rooms will become more common, too, as fewer people choose to share their rooms with others. This dovetails with the trend away from the clinical feel that nursing homes used to be known for.
2. ”Universal Workers” – One potentially negative trend that may develop within the nursing home and rehab industry in 2011 is the increased use of “universal workers.” These workers will increasingly take on the roles of three, four or even five previous employees. For instance, one person may be in charge of entertainment, activities and outings. This will reduce the quality of care at some facilities.
3. Foreclosures – Thousands of foreclosures happened in 2010. As a result, many people who once provided shelter for their elderly loved ones are no longer able to do so. This trend should boost the growth of the industry in 2011; elderly people who have lost or will lose their homes are also more likely to go into nursing homes this year.
4. Classes – In order to provide enrichment programs for their residents, more and more nursing homes and rehab facilities will be offering classes. These classes will typically be conducted by outside organizations; every now and then, though, the facility will provide the classes itself. These classes will generally include fun arts and crafts and book club-style sessions.
5. Person- Centered Approach - While nursing homes and rehab facilities are primarily designed to assist people who need extra medical attention, they are increasingly moving away from the clinical, hospital-style approach that they once had. In order to keep residents happy and on board for the long haul, many facilities are switching over to a person-centered approach.
6. Budget Cuts – In order to stay afloat, many facilities will be slashing their budgets in 2011. This trend carries over from 2010, when many facilities began to struggle. Corners are sure to be cut at many facilities around the U.S.; in many cases, special activities and outings will be canceled. Furthermore, many places will continue to pare back their staffs to the bare minimum. In some cases, these cuts will be quite detrimental to the well-being of nursing home residents. Facilities that manage to stay afloat without these cuts will enjoy the most success.
7. Specialized Facilities – While full-service nursing homes and rehab facilities will continue to be the norm, there will be an increasing number of specialized facilities in 2011. For instance, facilities that specialize in dementia and Alzheimer’s will continue to grow in popularity.

The nursing home and rehab industry isn’t going anywhere. 2011 may be a tough year for the industry, but it should continue to grow more than anything. Facilities that manage to go with the flow and evolve are the ones that will stand the best chance of survival. Overall, 2011 should be a steady and low-key year for the industry.

subject: Nursing Home/Rehab References

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos083.htm#projections_data

http://www.nursinghomesabuseblog.com/national-nursing-home-issues/nursing-home-insights-from-the-director-of-a-therapeutic-recreation-and-activity-consultant/

http://www.scumdoctor.com/senior-care/Trends-In-Nursing-Home-Senior-Care-Facilities.html

http://www.healthcarefinancenews.com/news/healthcare-reform-could-stifle-nursing-home-industry-growth

Like so many other industries, the nursing home and rehab industry faces several distinct challenges every year; the forces of change prompt many of these facilities to revise the way that they provide their services from time to time. Since 2010 is now upon us, it is an opportune time to examine some of the most important elements and trends that hold influence over the rehab and nursing home industry. In this report, examinations of issues concerning job outlook within the industry, overall industry growth and the top trends of 2010 will be included. Hiring managers and other working professionals within the industry can use this information to make more informed decisions during the upcoming year.

This quarterly report would not be complete without mention of the current economic crisis. The economic downturn is affecting many parts of our lives; nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities, long term care facilities and rehab centers are no exception. While the steadily aging population of the United States bodes well for the industry in terms of patients, the economic crisis is working against it in many key ways. Many aspects of this report, therefore, will be colored by current economic trends.

Section One: Job Outlook For The Nursing Home And Rehab Industry In 2010

Hiring managers within the rehab and nursing home industry can expect to see some interesting changes in 2010. Thanks to pressing economic concerns, it is highly likely that many facilities will pare back their existing services. In turn, several jobs will most likely be eliminated. Of course, the jobs that are eliminated will be the ones that involve nonessential, or adjunct, services; for the most part, jobs that involve nursing care will hold steady throughout the upcoming year.

In-Demand Jobs In The Rehab And Nursing Home Industry In 2010

With each passing year, the population of elderly people in the United States grows larger and larger. In turn, nursing home attendance is only going to rise. Such facilities must have round-the-clock staff on hand to attend to residents’ various medical needs. Therefore, nursing aides can expect to see an increased demand in the next year or two. If anything, the demand for nursing aids within the rehab and nursing home industry is only going to rise; more than likely, people who pursue a nursing aide career track will have ample opportunities going forward. Read the rest of this entry →