Google “the 2030 problem” and you’ll see what researchers and healthcare experts have been anticipating and discussing for decades: the year when the youngest baby boomers turn 65.

By 2030 the number of Americans 65 and over will make up an estimated 20 percent of the U.S. population, including a generation of aging caregivers who themselves face a much smaller cohort of available caregivers among their friends and family members. Also by 2030, the skilled nursing facility population for the 65-and-over age group will have increased by more than 40% and is expected to number over 6.5 million.

The University of Delaware’s new Nursing Home Administration Regulations Course was developed in response to this trend and to address the needs of industry professionals who need a comprehensive understanding of regulations affecting long-term care facilities. The six-week program takes place Monday evenings starting Sept. 17 on UD’s Newark campus.

“As we know, the population is aging, and the industry will need administrators who possess the skills to manage a complex organization as well as understand the needs of the older adults they serve,” said Ilene Warner-Maron, the program’s instructor and course developer. With a background in gerontology, health policy and health administration, Warner-Maron also serves as a federal nursing home monitor.

The anticipated nursing home population growth, plus gradual attrition within the current generation of nursing home administrators, adds up to a field with opportunities for new leaders who wish to enter the field or advance from their current roles, says Warner-Maron.

“There are many opportunities for graduates with degrees in business, social work, nursing and related programs to apply their knowledge and skills to the nursing home industry,”  said Warner-Maron. She added, “People are often surprised that the starting salaries for licensed nursing home administrators are $80,000 or more.”

The Nursing Home Administration Regulations Course is relevant for professionals seeking licensure in the field of nursing home administration, or any professional involved in long-term care administration, senior care or aging services. Those involved in elder advocacy or social work will benefit from the program’s comprehensive update on long-term care regulations. These may include business leaders interested in elder care; nursing home surveyors, inspectors or ombudsmen; and social workers or counselors working at nursing homes, home health agencies or adult care providers.

The core of the program is devoted to comprehensive coverage of regulations governing long-term care facilities, highlighting interventions to improve the nursing, psychosocial and medical care affecting residents, families and staff. The program emphasizes both federal and Delaware regulations. Topics include resident rights; abuse/neglect/admissions/discharge policies; minimum data set (MDS); risk assessments and care planning; quality of life and quality of care; and delivery of healthcare, pharmacy, dietary and rehabilitation services.

The program content is designed to correlate with knowledge areas pertaining to federal and state laws, rules, and regulations governing nursing home administration as covered in the licensure exam of the National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB), which is the nation’s leading credentialing organization for licensing, credentialing and regulating administrators of organizations along the continuum of long-term care. For information about earning continuing education hours for course completion, contact Lynn Fishlock, program manager, at 302-831-8837 or lynnaf@udel.edu.

The Nursing Home Administration Regulations Course is offered through UD’s Division of Professional and Continuing Studies. UD students and UD alumni are eligible for a discount when enrolling in this program. Other discounts include a military/veterans discount, and a group discount when two or more individuals from one business or organization register for the course.

The upcoming offering meets Monday evenings, Sept. 17 to Oct. 22 from 6-9 p.m. at 501 South College Avenue, Newark.

For more information about the program visit http://www.pcs.udel.edu/nursing-home-administration/, write to continuing-ed@udel.edu or call 302-831-7600.