PAMC Foundation

SENIOR HEALTHCARE CRISIS

Since 1900, the population of people age 65 and older increased by a factor of 10, from 3.1 million to 31.1 million. Recent research studies project that for every minute between the years 2006 and 2056, one person will be turning 60 years of age. Furthermore, many immigrants to the United States consist of older generations that have come to reunite with their family and friends. Recent census study shows that more than 700,000 immigrants come to the United States annually, of which approximately 20% consist of adults aged 45 and older.

The rapidly increasing elderly population and the uncertainty of future health care may result in a national senior health care crisis. In 1987, Congress passed specific guidelines that would ensure quality and affordable health care to the elderly. Despite Congress' attempt to increase the standards for senior healthcare, there still remains a severe shortage of skilled nursing and assisted care living facilities. In 1994, there were 2.3 million nursing home beds available. However, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services projects that 3.9 million nursing home beds will be needed within the next 15 years. Thus, in order to provide adequate and appropriate health care for the elderly, 1.7 million nursing home beds must be added to the system within the next 15 years.

CONCEPT & RATIONALE

To ameliorate the senior health care crisis, PAMC Health Foundation plans to establish a senior healthcare facility that will provide both skilled nursing and assisted care living in Chinatown, Los Angeles.

The Foundation has chosen Chinatown as the focal point of this project because of its cultural and historical significance to the Asian-American community. During the late 1900s, a large population of Asian immigrants came to Los Angeles in hopes of establishing a prosperous life by building upon the many opportunities here. These immigrants planted their roots in Chinatown and created multiple resources to help their relatives and neighbors assimilate and start their new lives in America. Resources such as traditional Chinese restaurants serving authentically prepared dishes, a Chinese school and library, churches and temples, family associations, and social service agents have made the transition to a new lifestyle much easier. As a result, Chinatown, Los Angeles became the birthplace of the Chinese community in Southern California.

Although families have moved on and away from their roots, they still hold Chinatown to be a cultural common ground and focal point to congregate. Chinatown is the "nucleus" that binds the Chinese community. Thus, many feel the geographic significance of Chinatown makes it an ideal place to build a senior healthcare facility - one that will provide much needed assistance while treating all with cultural sensitivity.

LOCATION

733-739 North Hill Street in Chinatown, Los Angeles. The facility will be located on North Hill between Ord and Alpine streets.

DESCRIPTION

Situated on an 82,000 square-foot site in the heart of Los Angeles' Chinatown, the Senior Health Care Project will include a 129 bed* Skilled Nursing Facility/Assisted Care Living Facility that will serve the Chinatown community. A multilingual staff, Asian cuisine, and culturally sensitive programming will distinguish the facility. Finally, a traditionally evocative Asian-landscaped garden* will enhance the grounds and will impart an increased sense of serenity and comfort to facility residents.

The skilled nursing facility will offer long-term care for people who require daily medical and 24 hour nursing supervision. The long-term residential services will include restorative nursing, meal preparation, housekeeping and laundry services, and structured activities and programs in Asian languages.

OBJECTIVE

As part of PAMC Health Foundation's mission to develop a better and healthier community while serving as a bridge between the community and its health care professionals, we plan to establish a senior health care facility that will operate with cultural sensitivity in Los Angeles' Chinatown community.

The project is divided into two distinct phases: Phase 1 will encompass the land purchase and the development of the skilled nursing facility; Phase 2 will include the development of the adjoining assisted care living facility.

* Subject to the approval of all regulatory agencies.