REPORT: Rural MN nursing home access has plummeted +30% since 2005
Per release from the Center for Rural Policy and Development:
As the demand for long-term care grows among Minnesota’s aging population, the availability of nursing home beds in rural areas has significantly decreased, creating a critical gap in care for rural seniors.
The report reveals a steep decline in licensed nursing facility beds in rural counties, with some areas experiencing reductions of up to 100% since 2005. These closures are occurring while demand is projected to rise until 2045, with peak demand in rural counties expected by 2037—well before urban areas. This trend is largely due to a combination of staffing shortages and a shift in consumer preference toward alternative care options.
Key Findings:
Significant Bed Loss: Rural Minnesota counties have lost between 30% and 100% of nursing home beds, leaving many communities without adequate access to long-term care.
Impact of Closures: Northwest, Southwest, and North-Central Minnesota are experiencing the most severe declines. Red Lake County, for example, has lost all its nursing facility beds since 2005.
Imminent Demand Surge: Demand for nursing home beds is projected to peak earlier in rural Minnesota than in urban areas due to an older population in these regions.
Challenges in Reopening Beds: Many of these closures are permanent, as facilities that close cannot easily reopen. In contrast, those that “unlicense” beds without closing entirely have some potential to restore capacity if conditions improve.
