As the baby boomer generation begins to fill nursing facilities nationwide, the prospect of elder abuse and negligent facility practice becomes a growing concern for key decision-makers. This study evaluates a sample population in Wichita, KS of 17 independent, long-term care facilities by charting their bed numbers and occupancy rates over a five year period. In comparison to the 17 care facilities, the study evaluates over 200 regionally printed articles associated to long-term facility care between the dates of January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2008. By using thematic analysis, a correlation was discovered between the use of negative media and the projected occupancy rates for subsequent years. Although not statistically significant, the data collected by this study provides substantial information concerning the relationship between regional print media and long-term care facilities.

Paper presented to the 6th Annual Symposium on Graduate Research and Scholarly Projects (GRASP) held at the Hughes Metropolitan Complex, Wichita State University, April 23, 2010.