We need to prepare now as Oklahoma's population shifts toward more adults age 60 and older

Those of us who have strong roots in our state's long-term care and skilled nursing sector are honored to serve Oklahomans and their families by supporting their loved ones during the final chapters of their lives. We are committed to continually building upon the quality of care and services provided to our state's aging population.

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The opportunities to positively impact the rapidly growing population of aging Oklahomans are evident as we look to the future. By 2050, the number of Americans age 65 and older is expected to surge by 47%, and — for the first time in Oklahoma history — the number of adults age 60 and older will outnumber children by 2034.

Because this dramatic shift will undoubtedly create a significant demand for long-term care and skilled nursing services, now is the time to adopt a proactive approach to ensure we are prepared to support and care for aging adults in the years to come.

One of the leading ways we are advocating for older Oklahomans is by working with the state Legislature and Gov. Kevin Stitt to receive reimbursement equal to the cost of resident and patient care. Health care costs have continued to soar, and Oklahoma’s Medicaid reimbursement rates have not kept pace with the cost of care. This year, the Oklahoma Health Care Authority estimates that reimbursement rates in our state will fall short by $44 per patient per day, an urgent need.

I am proud of the way we have pressed forward to deliver treasured residents residing in unique communities across the state with the care they deserve — despite the shortage of funding. But if we truly want to provide the best care for Oklahomans and their families, we must ensure our long-term care and skilled nursing centers are reimbursed for the cost of care they provide.

Long-term care and skilled nursing services have proven to deliver results when adequately equipped. Just last year, Oklahoma rose 30 spots to be ranked No.1 in the nation in one of four key quality measures after the state Legislature’s historic investment in 2019 with Senate Bill 280.

Of course, delivering quality, compassionate care is not possible without a strong workforce of reliable and skilled health care professionals. But health care workers, particularly those in the long-term care sector, are emerging from one of the most challenging eras in modern history.

Long-term care communities across the state are working diligently to recruit and retain a talented workforce to care for our most vulnerable Oklahomans, including shoring up an educational pipeline that will deliver the future workers our industry needs. State lawmakers recognized that need by allocating American Rescue Plan Act funding for certified medical assistant and certified nurse aide training. These funds have helped hundreds of Oklahomans receive the education and training needed to become certified nurse aides — one of the most vital and in-demand roles in our long-term care centers.

In my role as president and CEO of an Oklahoma-based 100% employee-owned long-term care skilled nursing and therapy management company, I have seen firsthand the impact that investing in team members can have in shaping the future of health care for our state’s aging population. Though rare in the health care sector, the employee ownership model has enabled each of the unique locations across Oklahoma to further motivate and empower employees to deliver compassionate, quality care to residents and their families. I am grateful for the role employee ownership has played in our ability to secure a localized workforce that will care for Oklahomans in the years to come.

The challenges and opportunities facing long-term care in Oklahoma are clear. But I’m confident that, when armed with the right people and the right resources, we can make further strides toward improving the health outcomes of our growing aging population — the ones who have served our families, our communities and Oklahoma so faithfully throughout their lifetimes.

Brett Coble is the president and CEO of Bridges Health.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma's aging population will increase demand for long-term care