ASID: Knee and hip repair/replacements to double by 2015 and 2026—are you ready?

Are you ready for rehab to become one of the most critical issues you will face in the next 10 years? To fully understand how critical this issue will be I have provided some Quick Stats.

The National Center for Health Statistics found during the span of 1979 to 2002, the rate of knee replacements among 65+ increased eightfold, with more women than men.

According to research from the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, Dr. Steven Kurtz reports:

· Primary 1st time total knee replacements will jump by 673% to 3.48 million in 2030.

· Primary total hip replacements will increase 174% in 2030.

· Partial joint replacements will increase 54%.

· Repair or replacement will double by 2015 for knee & 2026 for hip.

How will this affect the long-term care industry? One of the major factors will be who is getting the replacements. The answer: Baby Boomers. The issue is compounded because Baby Boomers see long-term care differently than do the Silent Generation (your current residents). Baby Boomers do not want to be mixed with other nursing home residents, they will expect the level of service to be that of a spa and will require larger, private rooms equipped with all the bells and whistles so that they will not miss a beat at work or with their families.

Seven strategies for successfully preparing for these increases

1. Rebrand your current rehab with more of a wellness or spa image.
 

2. Create a separate entrance for rehabilitation.
 

3. Add Internet-access to rooms and/or create all privates rooms.
 

4. Add VIP suites.
 

5. Integrate more space for workout machines in rehabilitation versus mat tables; it is also advisable to add a yoga space.
 

6. Restructure Meals to accommodate a more sophisticated pallet and offer a restaurant style menu.
 

7. Segregate short-term rehabilitation residents from nursing residents.