In 2011, the first of the baby boom generation reached what is known as retirement age. Over the next 18 years, boomers will be turning 65 at a rate of about 8,000 a day. So what does this mean for hospitals and Seniors with health conditions that need treatment?

 

In a recent report by the CDC, there are some significant increases in Adults with multiple chronic conditions that hospital administrations need to start planning for to address this need.

 

Data from the National Health Interview Survey, 1999–2000 and 2009–2010 (1)

• Between 1999–2000 and 2009–2010, the percentage of adults aged 45–64 and 65 and over with two or more of nine selected chronic conditions increased for both men and women, all racial and ethnic groups examined, and most income groups.

• During the 10-year period, the percentage of adults aged 65 and over with both hypertension and diabetes increased from 9% to 15%; prevalence of hypertension and heart disease increased from 18% to 21%; and prevalence of hypertension and cancer increased from 8% to 11%.

• The percentage of adults aged 45–64 with two or more of nine selected chronic conditions who did not receive or delayed needed medical care due to cost increased from 17% to 23%, and the percentage who did not receive needed prescription drugs due to cost increased from 14% to 22%.

 

With the rise of Seniors seeking treatment, comes the increased risk of getting a hospital acquired infection (HAI)(2). It is estimated that there are 2 million HAI’s a year. At an average cost of $15,275 to treat the infection; this translates into a $30.5 Billion burden to the healthcare industry.

 

One company, MedCort Inc. is at the forefront of working with hospitals to help reduce their HAI costs. With the rise of Seniors being treated for cancer and/or diabetes, hospitals are using more catheters to treat these health problems. More than just adopting clean hand hygiene and aseptic technique when providing catheter site care, hospitals also need to address how the patient will bathe both in and outside of the hospital. Keeping a catheter or surgical site dry and un-soiled is just as integral for the patient’s health as are the recommended infection prevention practices. LiquaShield, a water resistant moisture barrier was developed to address this need.

 

Medcort CEO Joe Moore, says “Today when hospital care centers are trying to find ways to cut their costs, our products make a lot of sense as it reduces the labor for the staff, and the probability of the cost associated with HAI’s.”