Long-Term Care’s Enduring Impact On American Health CareRealClearHealthClifton J. Porter II May 15, 2026https://www.realclearhealth.com/articles/2026/05/15/long-term_cares_enduring_impact_on_american_health_care_1183000.htmlThis week is National Skilled Nursing Care Week – a celebratory recognition of the individuals who reside, work and volunteer in our nation’s skilled nursing facilities. Honoring this decades-long tradition is the perfect time to think about long term care holistically and how we can strengthen this vital sector of health care to better support our aging population.
Every day, millions of seniors and individuals with disabilities rely on long term and post-acute care to live with dignity, purpose and support – making each day a chance to live fully. Long term care brings undeniable value to residents, caregivers, families, communities, and the entire American health care system.
But what is “long term care?” The breadth and complexity of this sector is understood by very few. Nursing homes often come to mind, but the concept has evolved over the decades to encompass a spectrum of high-quality, individualized care settings. Skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers, assisted living communities, memory care units, and intermediate care facilities now form one comprehensive profession that works together to care for some of our nation’s most vulnerable.
No resident is the same. Some live with multiple chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, dementia, and Parkinson’s. Many arrive after a hospital stay, needing therapy to regain strength and mobility. Some are still incredibly independent but desire more social engagement and support with medications and meals. Others require more assistance with daily activities like walking, bathing, and eating. No matter the need, there’s an option for every person.
This is not possible without a dedicated workforce. Within every long term care facility stands an army of nurses, aides, therapists and support staff who do some of the most meaningful work in health care. I have spent more than thirty-five years in this profession, working alongside skilled caregivers who are passionate about ensuring their residents enjoy the highest quality of life. They are there around the clock, providing hands-on care, coordinating with other providers, and launching into action as conditions change.
The clinical skill is just as important as the human connection – a connection that demonstrates the true heart of our profession. Caregivers provide reassurance, companionship and the comfort of being known. And not just information that can be found in a medical record. They remember grandchildren’s names, stories from military service, and how residents met their spouses. They celebrate getting older and getting better. They hold hands during difficult moments.
This matters to families. The reality is that at some point for many of us, our loved ones need more care than we can provide at home. Nearly 70 percent of Americans aged 65 and older will require some form of long term care in their lifetime. When they enter a facility, the families in turn enter a partnership with the staff that must be built on trust. They deserve stability and peace of mind knowing their parent, relative or friend is receiving the utmost care.
Not only do residents and families benefit, but so do communities, other health care providers, payors, and taxpayers. Long term care employs millions of people, offering rewarding careers and sustaining local economies. Hospitals discharge patients ready to recuperate to skilled nursing facilities, supporting their capacity to care for incoming patients. By ensuring that seniors and individuals with disabilities access the right care, at the right time, in the right place, insurers and payors can generate health care savings and reduce negative outcomes for residents. This often-overlooked part of health care is paying dividends and supporting the entire ecosystem of care.
Here’s the kicker: demand for long term care is only expected to grow. By 2030, there will be nearly 19 million Americans over the age of 80. Not every person will be able to age at home. That’s why the future of long term care is a topic that demands more attention and supportive action among policymakers.
Creating a future where every resident thrives depends on the choices we make now. That means investing in the caregiver pipeline, protecting vital programs like Medicare and Medicaid, and reimagining systems to better encourage innovation and quality improvement – bold solutions outlined in the American Health Care Association’s forward-looking Better Way policy agenda.
Progress continues to be made in our nation’s long term care facilities - a commitment by this profession that never ceases. But imagine how much stronger our sector could be with a renewed and reimagined focus in Washington. Supportive policies and smart investments lead to better resident outcomes, and federal policymakers should be actively working toward ensuring all seniors and individuals with disabilities have access to the care they need.
When long term care succeeds, our residents, families, staff, and the health care system succeed. Strengthening long term care starts by recognizing the indispensable role it plays. A profession that helps millions of people live fully with dignity, safety and purpose should not be taken for granted or undervalued – especially when an aging America relies on it.