September 2008 Nursing Homes Stretch Capacity, Equipment as Retiring Baby Boomers Signal Increasing Demand They Can't Afford a Breakdown When Care and Comfort Depend on Equipment As a wave of U.S. baby boomers retire and plan for old age, nursing homes will struggle to keep up. High operating costs and limited revenues make it important to insure against expensive and disruptive equipment breakdowns. A SURGE IN SENIORS The percentage of the U.S. population that is 65 and older will increase sharply when baby boomers, the almost 80 million people born from 1946 through 1964, reach that age beginning in 2011, the Census Bureau reports. WAITING FOR A ROOM With more than 1.5 million Americans living in nursing homes, according to the latest Census in 2000, there already is a waiting list for many facilities. Demand is expected to soar as the number of people over age 65 doubles by 2030. Americans 85 and older, who are most likely to need long-term care, will likely make up 5 percent of the population by 2050. IT TAKES EQUIPMENT The care and comfort of the elderly depends on many types of equipment. In addition to heating and air conditioning, essential equipment includes elevators, computers, telephone and monitoring systems, and refrigeration for food and medicines. POWER IS IMPORTANT The power supply is critical in nursing homes, where so many residents are served by specialized medical equipment. An electrical system breakdown is a serious threat and an accident to a back-up generator may result in evacuation. TECHNOLOGY IS VULNERABLE New technology is sensitive to damage and can result in costly equipment repairs or replacement. Business interruption losses also can mount quickly, as residents who need care must be transferred to other facilities or hospitals. Click here for examples of nursing home claims paid by HSB. HSB HAS SUPERIOR COVERAGE HSB provides broad equipment breakdown coverage. Our specialized claim service helps complete repairs promptly and we include jurisdictional inspection service for boilers and pressure vessels. GET MORE INFORMATION For more information contact your Hartford Steam Boiler representative, or call us toll-free at 1-800-345-1122. Hartford Steam Boiler - One State Street - P.O. Box 5024 - Hartford, CT 06102-5024 Phone: 860-722-1866 - Fax: 860-722-5106 ©1996-2008 The Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company. All rights reserved.