A new report from Forward Analytics, “On The Brink: Probing the Coming Senior Care Challenges,” explores changes in the elderly care industry since 2000 and how the landscape might look over the next decade or more, with Wisconsin’s 75 or older population projected to rise nearly 75% between 2020–40.
From 2000–20, the total number of beds in Wisconsin nursing homes and assisted living facilities increased at about the same rate as the 75 or older population. If that continues, given the surge in the senior population, Wisconsin would need to add about 33,000 beds by 2030 to accommodate the increased population. During the following decade, another 26,500 would need to be added. In 2023, the state had about 80,000 total beds.
According to the study, the state will also face challenges staffing the needed facilities. If current staffing ratios remain unchanged, these facilities would need an additional 9,900 registered nurses, CNAs, and home health/personal care aides. That figure represents 75% of the projected increase in those occupations during 2022–30. This worker shortage is likely to continue after 2030.
