Assessing Contributors to Cost of Care in Nursing Homes.

The article focuses on cost of care in nursing homes. Number of factors are leading to increased interest in the nursing home industry. For one, the population is aging, and increased life expectancy will increase the need for long-term care services. In 1980, 11.3% of the population was age 65 and over, with 8.8% of that population age 85 and over. In 1994 12.7% of the population was 65 and over, while 10.6% were 85 and over. Expenditures for nursing homes reached $72.3 billion in 1994 accounting for 8 7% of all personal health money spent. INSET: Executive Summary.