The U.S. Census counts every resident in the United States and is required by the Constitution to take place every 10 years. The following information supplies details about how nursing home residents will be included in this count.
During data collection for the 2010 Census, nursing homes will be included and classified as group quarters (GQs). GQs are places where people live or stay, in a group living arrangement that is owned or managed by an entity or organization providing housing and/or services for the residents. These services may include custodial or medical care as well as other types of assistance, and residency is commonly restricted to those receiving these services. GQs include such places as college residence halls, residential treatment centers, skilled nursing facilities, group homes, military barracks, correctional facilities, workers’ dormitories and facilities for people experiencing homelessness.
The process of gathering information beginning with contact with the director of the GQ. Personal interviews follow this initial contact, and the entire process takes six weeks. For more information on the census process for GQs, view this handout on data collection for GQs.
Additional information on the census process can be found at:
- http://2010.census.gov/2010census/how/interactive-form.php - This links to the U.S. 2010 Census Web site's interactive question list and shows the questions asked during the Census.
- http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/uploadedFiles/City_Manager/Level_3_-_General/CENSUS%20FAQ(1).pdf - This link is from the city of Berkley, CA, and gives general information about the Census and discusses the penalties Census workers face if they ask for protected information.