OHCA 2018 Report

2018 Oregon Long Term Care State Report www.ohca.com 5 Oregon is a National Leader in Long Term Care Services and Supports The state’s long term care profession has a rich history in providing quality care and innovative services. Oregon was the first state to widely promote and utilize home and community- based services (HCBS), a model that encourages individuals to receive services in their own homes or communities, instead of in nursing facilities. In 1981, Oregon applied for a waiver from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) to offer Medicaid funded services in care settings beyond nursing facilities. The first assisted living community in the United States opened its doors in Oregon in 1983. 8 Oregon’s care continuum now offers a variety of alternatives for people to access the long term care services they need to maintain their independence and dignity in a healthy and secure way. In order to continue to be a national leader in providing high quality care to older adults and people with disabilities, it is critical for Oregon to invest in long term care services and supports over the next decade and beyond. Oregonians Receiving Long Term Care Each day, over 70,000 Oregonians receive care in long term care communities across the state, and that number will grow as Oregon’s population continues to age. Oregon’s population is aging rapidly. In 2015, 645,031 Oregonians were 65 years of age or older, and, of that, 84,668 were 85 or older—the age group most likely to require care. By 2035, there will be an estimated 173,634 Oregonians over the age of 85. The changing demographic profile of Oregon presents great opportunity as well as a need for the state to better prepare for the health, social, and economic challenges of an increasingly aged society. Oregonians receive care in long term care communities across the state each day 70,000+