Comptroller: Senior population far outpacing services capacity

The projected growth of Tennessee’s over 60 population will outpace the availability of public services in the state designed to keep seniors out of nursing homes, according to a new report from the office of Tennessee Comptroller Jason Mumpower. The state’s population of those 60 and older is expected to increase 30% over the next 20 years with the number of those 80 and older projected to double at the same period. The three key programs for seniors administered by TennCare, Tennessee’s Medicaid program, and the Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability are already over capacity with long waiting lists. State and federal funds will be required to improve these programs to meet increasing demand. As a result of programs already being overburdened, the report noted that there is an increased in unlicensed facilities targeting the elderly and vulnerable adults. For the complete report, visit this link.