Hundreds of nursing homes in rural America have closed in the last decade, forcing some residents to relocate to facilities farther away from their families and homes, reports The New York Times.
More than 440 nursing homes have either closed or merged in the last 10 years, according to Cowles Research Group data cited by NYT. Thirty-six nursing home closures occurred because the facilities failed to meet health and safety standards.
Many others have closed due to financial issues amid declining occupancy rates and staffing difficulties. NYT also noted Medicaid covers many nursing home residents' long-term care but does not pay states enough to keep nursing homes running.
For example, South Dakota nursing homes lose about $58 a day per resident under current Medicaid reimbursement rates. The state has seen five nursing homes shut down in three years.
To view NYT's full report, click here.