The single most significant change in US population demographics
over the past 50 years is the aging of the population.
In 2003, 35.9 million people were aged 65 and older. By
2030, this number is projected to be twice as large, growing to
72 million.1 As a result of this growth, the population of older
adults in nursing homes is projected to increase over the next
several years.2 Depression is the most common cause of morbidity
and decreased quality of life in this expanding demographic
group that forms the majority of long-term care residents.3
The aim of this review is to improve awareness
regarding depression in long-term care settings, with a goal of
improving recognition and management of depression in
nursing home residents.