Abstract
The vast majority of the nation’s 1.8 million Long-Term Care (LTC) residents are over the traditional age of retirement (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2014); however, the age of the average LTC resident is shifting downward. Today, 37% of all LTC residents in the United States are under the age of 64, with these non-traditionally aged residents representing the fastest growing demographic admitting to LTC (United States Census, 2012; Liberman, 2016; Family Caregiver Alliance, 2015). Unlike older residents who often enter LTC due to fall-related injuries or chronic conditions, younger residents primarily admit to LTC for physical impairment due to substance abuse, risky behaviors, or traumatic injuries that impair the ability to live independently (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Resources, 2015). The intensity of care needed by this group can be life-long, with potential for younger persons with permanent disabilities to remain in LTC for two, three, or more decades (Singh, 2010; The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine, 2016). Policies and procedures of these facilities primarily focus on the needs of older frail persons, many of whom regarding physical requirements, social desires and emotional wellness should reflect the population it serves. Why are these persons entering LTC? Why are these persons remaining in LTC? LTC can only address the needs of this burgeoning group if their needs are fully considered. This poster will provide a conceptual model to address emerging concerns of this growing, non-traditional group of LTC residents.