News Release
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November 30, 2005
Boise State's Center for
the Study of Aging Assesses Gaps in Long-term Care for Idahoans
Boise State University’s Center for the Study of Aging has been selected by
the governor’s office to receive a $48,000 contract, funded by the National
Governors Association, to identify gaps in available services for the
state’s aging population. The long-term care gap analysis will look at
future needs, especially in the areas of long-term care facilities and home
and community-based health care, and the corresponding services that are
currently available.
Currently there are just over 150,000 Idaho residents age 65 and older. By
2020, that population is expected to jump to almost 270,000, or close to
double its current size. Because states play a major role in administering
programs and regulating providers, including paying much of the cost of
long-term care for this growing population, analyzing the gaps between
supply and demand can help states with long-term planning.
Nationally, long-term care accounts for 25 percent of Medicaid spending by
states. Studies show the average retiree has $30,000 in retirement savings,
and the average cost of one year in a nursing home is $50,000. With most
stays lasting just over two years, it’s easy to see a crisis looming. With
this in mind, the Center for the Study of Aging is committed to not only
providing accurate data to government agencies, but also exploring better
options for funding long-term care at both the public and personal levels.
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Contact: Annette Totten, Center for the Study of Aging, (208)
426-5899,
annettetotten@boisesetate.edu
Media Contact: Kathleen Craven, University Communications, (208)
426-3275, kcraven@boisestate.edu
The Office of Communications and Marketing
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Boise State University
1910 University Drive -
Education Building, #726 -
Boise Idaho 83725-1030
208-426-1577
(fax)208-426-4001
email communications@boisestate.edu
Last reviewed on Thursday, December 22, 2005