Preparing for the Rising Ageing Population as a Care Home

The world is changing fast, and one of the biggest shifts we’re seeing is the growth in the ageing population. More people are living longer, and care homes face growing challenges as they work to accommodate this reality. Adapting now means a better future for the elderly and the staff who look after them.

The ageing population

Worldwide, people are living longer than ever. Medical advances and better living standards mean that many are reaching older ages, but that also comes with a drop in birth rates. More older people and fewer young people affect countries in many ways, especially in care.

In the UK, the statistics are clear. As of 2022, around 12.7 million people were aged 65 and over, making up about 19% of the population. Projections suggest this number will increase to 22.1 million by 2072, or 27% of the population. Furthermore, those aged 85 and over are expected to double within the next 25 years, from 1.6 million to 3 million. The numbers tell us that care homes need to get ready for even more demand.

Currently, the UK has approximately 455,000 care home beds, equating to a ratio of 7.45 individuals aged over 80 per care home bed. With the population aged over 80 projected to increase by 1.1 million between 2022 and 2032, reaching close to 4.5 million, there is an anticipated need for an additional 144,000 care home beds over the next decade, or about 14,400 new beds per year.

Meeting this demand requires strategic planning and investment in the care sector, with a focus on providing sufficient facilities and services for the ageing population.

What’s behind this trend?

1. Better health care

The shifts in demographics are complex and influenced by multiple factors. Advances in healthcare have significantly reduced mortality rates from diseases that were once fatal. Vaccination programs, better management of chronic illnesses, and improved emergency care have all played a role. As a result, people are not only living longer but are often experiencing an extended period of relatively good health.

2. Declining birth rates

However, the flip side of this increased longevity is the declining birth rate. Economic factors, such as the high cost of raising children, have led many couples to reconsider family planning. Housing costs, education expenses, and the desire for financial stability often influence the decision to delay or forgo having children. Societal expectations around careers have also changed, with more people prioritizing work and personal goals before starting a family.

3. High costs of childcare

The availability and cost of childcare have created further obstacles for prospective parents. In the UK, some families struggle with balancing career commitments and parenting, especially when affordable childcare is scarce. The cultural shift toward valuing independence and personal fulfilment has played a role as well, with some people opting to focus on other life experiences rather than raising children.

4. Migration

Migration has had a nuanced effect on the ageing population. While younger immigrants initially help balance demographic shifts by contributing to the workforce, their impact wanes over time as they too grow older. The overall effect is a gradual increase in the elderly demographic, which continues to shape the needs and structure of the healthcare and social care systems.

These combined factors mean that the UK, along with many other countries, must adapt to a future where a significant proportion of the population is elderly. This adaptation involves not only expanding healthcare and social services but also rethinking infrastructure, housing, and community support to cater to the unique needs of an ageing population.

Challenges for care homes

The growing demand for care homes brings significant challenges. Space shortages are becoming a pressing issue, with more elderly individuals needing beds and facilities, causing strain on existing homes. Many care homes already struggle to accommodate everyone who needs care. Alongside this, staffing remains a critical hurdle. Recruiting and retaining skilled caregivers is difficult, as these demanding roles often experience high turnover, leaving many facilities understaffed.

Financial constraints add to these difficulties. Operating a care home is costly, and increasing resident numbers drive up expenses, often without a corresponding rise in funding. Moreover, as people live longer, they often face complex health needs that require more specialized and time-intensive care. Managing these conditions demands greater expertise and additional resources, further stretching already limited budgets.

Solutions for care homes

Dealing with these challenges requires practical and thoughtful approaches.

• Improve quality of care - Focus on caring for individuals, considering their unique needs and histories. Staff can benefit from regular training that helps them understand dementia, mobility issues, and mental health.

• Build more space - Think about expanding existing facilities or forming partnerships with local healthcare providers. This way, homes can meet the demand without leaving anyone behind.

• Adopt helpful technology - Invest in tech that makes life easier for residents and staff. This could be systems that monitor health without being intrusive or better ways to keep track of care records. These tools help caregivers work smarter, not harder.

• Engage with the community - Creating strong ties with local groups brings benefits. Volunteers can brighten residents' days with visits, or local businesses might provide useful services.

Considering remote staffing for back-office work

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Exploring remote staffing for tasks that don’t require on-site presence could be a practical idea for care homes. Administrative roles, such as managing finances, scheduling, or processing paperwork, can be effectively handled from a distance. This shift offers several benefits. One major advantage is cost reduction. Hiring remote workers from a broader talent pool can be more budget-friendly. Care homes may also save on office space and resources, redirecting those savings toward improving resident care.

Another advantage is broader access to specialized skills. Expanding the search beyond the local area allows care homes to connect with experts who can make a significant impact, even remotely. For instance, a finance specialist working off-site can still contribute meaningfully without needing to be on the premises. Some care homes have already adopted remote administrative staffing with encouraging results. While it may not work for every situation, it’s an option worth serious consideration.

Final thoughts

The ageing population will continue to grow, and care homes must be ready. This means taking action now and thinking creatively. Better care, smart use of technology, and even remote staffing can help manage the increased demand. It’s about planning thoughtfully so the elderly can live comfortably, with the dignity and respect they deserve.