Patient Safety | 06.08.20
As Baby Boomers Age, Geriatricians Are in High Demand and Short Supply
by NAMSS Staff
KBIA.org (06/04/20) Conaway, Josh
The American Geriatrics Society estimates that the supply of geriatricians cannot meet demand as baby boomers age. The national number of specialists can only accommodate about one-sixth of demand, and the Midwest region is suffering the most from the shortfall. The Alzheimer's Association said the number of geriatricians in Missouri, for instance, must grow by a factor of eight by 2050 to meet demand. Curtis Schreiber at the Missouri Memory Center explained that a lack of geriatricians makes it difficult for other doctors to care for patients. "Geriatricians are a great resource for helping manage patients with Alzheimer's disease, especially when they have other medical conditions that make management more complicated," he explained. Also in short supply and high demand are gerontologists. People with dementia, in particular, need a team of highly trained caregivers. But a dearth of experts means nursing communities must hire workers without the same level of education and experience.
Read the full story from KBIA.org.