An increasing number of people with chronic diseases is expected to create a major boost to the global skilled nursing care market, according to a recent report.

A skilled nursing industry analysis, released Wednesday by Transparency Market Research, pinpoints chronic diseases such as dementia and an overall aging population to be two of the biggest drivers of the market in the coming years. That growth may be stunted, the report notes, due to factors such as “soaring” care costs and stigmas surrounding residential nursing care.

North America remains the major geographical player in the market thanks to its advanced healthcare infrastructure, increasing awareness of skilled nursing services and a “well-defined” regulatory framework. The Asia Pacific market — especially India and China — are also poised to be a “promising space for investors and market players” due to the enhancement of healthcare facilities and the fast growing medical tourism industry in the region, the report notes.

The report also names the “prominent” and “dominant” players in the skilled nursing market, including ManorCare, Kindred Healthcare and National HealthCare Corporation.

Click here to see a preview of the Transparency Market Research report.