#nursinghomes

Shattered trust. It’s a term people use to describe a betrayal in a romantic or professional relationship. A cheating partner. A back stabbing co-worker or boss. Most of the time it’s deal breaker, resulting in a break-up or someone leaving a job.

 But what happens when that shattered trust involves medical harm?  Would you ever trust a doctor again if he/she had operated on the wrong knee or kidney? What if you had been misdiagnosed or were sexually assaulted by a doctor? Even worse, what if that harm was deliberate?

 That’s what I had to confront after my father was deliberately harmed, which resulted in his death. This was not just one rogue doctor, mind you, but a concerted effort by a number of doctors and nurses at two hospitals and a nursing home to keep me unaware of what they were doing to him. 

 By going through medical records after my father’s death, I learned that his primary care doctor had drugged him with Risperdal, Haldol, Ativan, Tylenol with Codeine and Morphine after admitting him to the hospital to determine the cause of back pain. (Risperdal and Haldol are antipsychotic drugs, which carry FDA black box warnings that they are not recommended for seniors because they can cause serious side effects and death.) All these drugs had been given without my knowledge or consent as power of attorney. My dad’s doctor and all the nurses denied he had been given anything to make him suddenly lose his mind. That, I was told, was due to hospital delirium, common in the elderly; it was recommended that he go a nursing home for rehabilitation for his back and his mind for a few weeks.

 At the nursing home, however, the medical director prescribed more Risperdal and Haldol, along with double doses of Ambien and Vicodin – again, without consent or apparent need. That doctor never spoke with me about his care, refusing to return my desperate calls as my father went into a death spiral due to the deadly side effects of the antipsychotics.  When he was rushed to the hospital after his 7th fall in 12 days, the doctor slipped in and falsified a “Do Not Resuscitate” consent form.  The physician who was called in to consult denied any drugs had caused his mental decline; he turned out to be on the board of the medical malpractice company that insured the nursing home doctor.

 My father was dead less than two months after going into the hospital.  Ironically, the cause of his back pain was spinal stenosis, which could have been treated with outpatient physical therapy and over the counter medication.

 This betrayal of care had a profound affect on my entire extended family. No one trusted doctors or nurses anymore. My children were afraid to go to the doctor, and looked up anything they were prescribed for side effects before any pills were taken. My sister-in-law kept her father at home in his final years, not trusting any hospital or nursing home to care for him. Because I became a patient safety advocate after my father’s death, friends would call me in a panic if a physician recommended a nursing home for a parent.

 So it was terrifying when we suddenly had to deal with doctors again when my husband was diagnosed with GIST cancer and sepsis last year.  Because it was a hemorrhagic tumor, the doctors wanted to act quickly, wanting to do perform surgery the next day. It was hard not to panic at the thought of trusting my husband’s life to a surgeon we had not personally chosen.

 What helped is that in the three months leading up to that diagnosis, my husband’s doctors actually talked to us.  This was so different than the invisible doctors who deliberately harmed my father.  This time around, Ed’s cardiologist listened to our concerns, and tried to answer our (my) unending questions as we were referred to a pulmonologist, hematologist, and gastroenterologist.

 Several factors helped this particular doctor/patient relationship.  First, I was not afraid to tell my father’s story, basically as a warning that I knew patient rights; more importantly, these new doctors were outraged that one of their own would treat a patient that way. Second, this new set of doctors was a good 15 years younger than those who treated my father. It made me wonder whether younger doctors are more in touch with treating the whole patient, and are not as willing to force the traditional “the doctor is always right” attitude. I felt that we were tracking down the cause of Ed’s symptoms together, because each step was explained along the way. Finally, by this time, I knew how to look up doctors on the Medical Board of California website to see if they had any disciplines, malpractice lawsuits, or criminal convictions – and to see where they went to medical school. I had downloaded the new doctor app on my phone so I could look up any new physician we met along the way within seconds. (I am also aware that complaints against doctors are not listed, and some documents have been taken down and not replaced.)

 When we were told which surgeon would operate on Ed, this new group of doctors seemed genuinely pleased, almost relieved, that a reputable person would be taking care of their patient. Having that endorsement by other physicians we knew helped allay our fears.

 Later, when Ed developed a sudden fever a few days after being released, I rushed him back to the hospital, concerned about sepsis – and worried that I would have to fight to convince doctors he needed treatment immediately. I knew that there was a small window to treat sepsis, and that medical professionals often misdiagnose or ignore symptoms until it is too late. I dropped Ed and my adult son off at the emergency room door, quickly parked the car, and literally ran into the hospital, fully expecting a fight to get Ed prompt treatment.  I was stunned and relieved to find that Ed had already been given an IV and a dose of antibiotics.  He was septic, and spent another five days in the hospital – but he received treatment within that critical window.

 This experience with Ed’s surgery has helped to ease my fear of doctors and medical harm somewhat. It was not perfect though. I did report a hospitalist who refused to wash her hands and use gloves during multiple visits, declaring it “silly.” (She felt hand sanitizer was enough to kill superbugs.) However, I have gained confidence in dealing with doctors.

 As an advocate, I now read all the accusations and disciplines that the Medical Board of California releases, so I am acutely aware that preventable errors and bad doctors happen more often than we would like. By being vigilant and questioning every step of treatment, I believe patients and their families can make a difference in the outcome of any procedure. I also believe that it is critical for a doctor to communicate with the patient to discuss and agree on the best course of treatment.

 So has my shattered trust in doctors been repaired? No. Not even close.

I had to hold and hug a resident punching and hitting whilst dissolving in tears because she’s lost and doesn’t know where her husband is or her kids and neither of them have visited in weeks.

With Client SideKick, you can have a new selling point and unique selling proposition to differentiate yourself from the competition.

Don’t wait contact us to schedule your FREE DEMO at [email protected]

Visit our website at ClientSideKick.com for more information

The global nursing homes and long-term care facilities market is expanding rapidly as healthcare systems worldwide adapt to the needs of an aging population. Increasing life expectancy, the growing prevalence of chronic diseases, and rising demand for rehabilitation and assisted living services are creating significant opportunities across the long-term care ecosystem.

The market was valued at USD 532.18 billion in 2025 and is expected to increase from USD 568.37 billion in 2026 to approximately USD 1,027.47 billion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 6.80% during the forecast period. Demand is being driven by a rising elderly population, higher rates of dementia and chronic illnesses, and growing investments in elderly care infrastructure.

Why is the Nursing Homes and Long-Term Care Facilities Market Growing?

Nursing homes and long-term care facilities provide a combination of medical support, rehabilitation, assisted living, dementia care, and palliative care services for elderly individuals and people with chronic illnesses or disabilities.

The market is growing because aging populations are increasingly requiring round-the-clock support, long-term disease management, and specialized rehabilitation services. Facilities are also becoming more advanced, integrating digital health tools, smart monitoring systems, and personalized care models.

Quick Insights: Nursing Homes and Long-Term Care Facilities Market

The market is projected to reach USD 1,027.47 billion by 2035.

The market was valued at USD 532.18 billion in 2025.

North America dominated with a 40% share in 2025.

Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 8.5% through 2035.

Nursing homes held the largest facility type share of 35% in 2025.

Long-term care services accounted for 45% of the market in 2025.

Private ownership contributed 50% of the market in 2025.

Public insurance was the leading payer segment with a 45% share.

How is AI Transforming Long-Term Care Facilities?

Artificial intelligence is playing an increasingly important role in long-term care environments. Care providers are using predictive analytics to identify early signs of health deterioration, falls, dehydration, and chronic disease progression.

AI is also being used for staff scheduling, medication reminders, patient monitoring, and workload management. Robotics for mobility support and medication delivery are also becoming more common in elderly care facilities, helping address labor shortages and improve operational efficiency.

What Are the Key Market Growth Drivers?

Several major trends are supporting market growth:

Rapid growth in the global elderly population

Rising burden of chronic illnesses and disability

Higher demand for dementia and memory care services

Growing number of hospital discharges requiring rehabilitation

Increasing investments in elderly care infrastructure

Expansion of private insurance and government healthcare funding

Rising use of technology-driven care models

Greater focus on improving quality of life for aging populations

Which Services Are Seeing the Highest Demand?

Why Does Long-Term Care Continue to Dominate?

Long-term care services accounted for 45% of the market in 2025 because they provide ongoing support for elderly patients with chronic diseases, disabilities, and mobility limitations. These services include medication management, nutrition support, bathing assistance, and daily living activities.

Why is Memory Care Growing So Quickly?

Memory care is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 8.2% due to the rising global prevalence of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Specialized memory care units are increasingly being developed to support cognitive health, behavioral management, and patient safety.

Is Short-Term Rehabilitation Becoming More Important?

Yes. Short-term rehabilitation is seeing strong growth because hospitals are discharging more patients after surgery and acute illness, creating demand for facilities that support recovery, therapy, and reduced hospital readmission rates.

Regional Analysis: Where is Growth Strongest?

Why Does North America Lead the Market?

North America held the largest market share of 40% in 2025 due to its strong healthcare infrastructure, advanced assisted living networks, and high demand for continuous elderly care services.

The U.S. remains the dominant contributor, supported by a growing elderly population, widespread Medicare enrollment, and increased investment in nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, and post-acute care services.

Why is Asia Pacific the Fastest-Growing Region?

Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 8.5% due to rising life expectancy, rapid urbanization, and expanding healthcare infrastructure.

Countries such as China, India, and Japan are increasing investments in elderly care facilities, assisted living communities, and long-term rehabilitation centers to meet the needs of rapidly aging populations.

How is Europe Performing?

Europe remains the second-largest regional market, supported by well-established public healthcare systems, aging populations, and government-funded elderly care programs. Countries across Western Europe are expanding access to long-term care services and memory care facilities.

Segmental Analysis

By Facility Type

Nursing homes remain the dominant segment, while assisted living facilities are expected to grow the fastest due to their flexible care models and lower intensity of medical support. Continuing care retirement communities are also gaining traction among middle- and high-income elderly populations.

By Service Type

Long-term care dominates the market, while memory care is projected to grow the fastest due to increasing dementia prevalence. Hospice and palliative care services are also seeing strong demand as end-of-life care becomes more widely accepted.

By Ownership

Private facilities dominate the market because they can invest faster in infrastructure, technology, and premium services. Public facilities continue to play a major role by offering more affordable care options for low-income elderly populations.

By Payer

Public insurance remains the largest payer segment, while private insurance is expected to grow the fastest due to rising adoption of long-term care policies among higher-income groups. Out-of-pocket spending continues to remain significant in emerging economies with limited insurance coverage.

What Challenges Could Slow Market Growth?

Despite strong demand, the industry faces several challenges:

Rising labor shortages and caregiver turnover

High operating costs and staffing expenses

Limited insurance coverage in some regions

Growing demand for skilled nursing professionals

High infrastructure and compliance costs

Affordability challenges for low-income elderly populations