As the new administrator of a nursing facility, Mr. Lewis notes that there has been a decline in occupancy rate at the facility in the past few years. Through research of the local long-term-care market, he learns that the home health care industry has exploded in recently. When he discusses this phenomenon with a neighbor who currently receives home health care, his neighbor says, "Nursing homes are depressing and institutional. I feel like I'm visiting a prison when I'm there. As long as I can afford the home care, I'm staying right here."

What can Mr. Lewis learn from his neighbor that might help him adapt to times and to the needs and desires of the local market?

What specific changes might Mr. Lewis make to his facility and to the services it offers to make it more appealing?

How would you feel about living in a nursing home if your health care needs warranted it? What changes would you like to see in this industry before you would be content to be a nursing home resident?