Riding the Wave of Younger Residents in Long-Term Care

Younger patients represent a growing percentage of nursing facility residents. Patients younger than 65 years of age comprise about 14% of the population in this setting. They are victims of traumatic brain or spinal cord injuries and diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Huntington's disease. These individuals present some novel challenges for pharmacists and other practitioners because they often are more informed and involved in their care, have younger family members (including small children), have addiction issues, and may have expected life spans much longer than the average elder nursing facility resident. By understanding these individuals and their special needs and issues, pharmacists can help maximize the quality of care younger residents receive, enhancing their quality of life.