50 Assisted Living Statistics

Assisted living is a popular option for seniors who need help with daily living tasks but still want to maintain independence.

Assisted Living Statistics

In the realm of assisted living, having access to reliable industry statistics is crucial for understanding the current landscape and making informed decisions. These statistics provide valuable insights into various aspects of the assisted living industry, including its scope, demographics, finances, quality measures, and future projections. By examining and analyzing these statistics, researchers, journalists, and students can gain a deeper understanding of the industry's trends and challenges.

Demographics and Trends

Assisted living is a type of long-term care that is designed for older adults who need help with activities of daily living but do not require the round-the-clock medical care provided in nursing homes. Assisted living facilities offer a range of services and amenities, including assistance with bathing, dressing, and medication management, as well as meals, housekeeping, and transportation.

In recent years, there have been several important demographic and trend changes in the assisted living industry. Some of these include:

  • In the United States, there are approximately 28,900 assisted living communities. (National Center for Assisted Living, 2021)
  • The average age of residents in assisted living communities is 87 years old. (National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care, 2021)
  • Women make up 70% of assisted living residents. (National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care, 2019)
  • Assisted living occupancy rates have been declining since 2015, with a national average of 82.6% in Q1 2021. (National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care, 2021)
  • The cost of assisted living varies widely by state, with a national average of $4,300 per month in 2020. (Genworth Cost of Care Survey, 2020)
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Staffing and Care

  • The national average staff-to-resident ratio in assisted living communities is 1 to 7. (National Center for Assisted Living, 2021)
  • The turnover rate for direct care staff in assisted living communities is 42%. (National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care, 2019)
  • The most common health conditions among assisted living residents are Alzheimer's/dementia, hypertension, and heart disease. (National Center for Assisted Living, 2021)
  • More than half of assisted living residents require assistance with three or more activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, and toileting. (National Center for Assisted Living, 2021)
  • In 2020, 75% of assisted living communities reported having a COVID-19 case among residents or staff. (National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care, 2020)

Regulations and Quality

  • Assisted living is regulated at the state level, with no federal standards in place. (National Center for Assisted Living, 2021)
  • In 2019, 24 states had no minimum staffing requirements for assisted living communities. (AARP, 2019)
  • 28% of assisted living communities have been cited for abuse or neglect in the past two years. (National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care, 2020)
  • In 2020, the average rating for assisted living communities on Nursing Home Compare was 3.5 stars out of 5. (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 2020)
  • More than half of assisted living residents and family members report being satisfied with their care. (National Center for Assisted Living, 2021)

Future Outlook

  • The number of Americans aged 65 and older is expected to double to 98 million by 2060. (U.S. Census Bureau, 2021)
  • The demand for assisted living is expected to increase as the baby boomer generation ages. (National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care, 2021)
  • Technology is becoming more important in assisted living, with the use of remote monitoring, telemedicine, and other tools. (McKnight's Senior Living, 2021)
  • The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the trend of seniors wanting to age in place at home rather than move to a facility. (Senior Housing News, 2021)
  • Assisted living providers are exploring new models of care, such as home- and community-based services, to meet the changing needs of seniors. (Senior Housing News, 2021)
Grand View Research

Financing

  • Medicaid is the primary payer for assisted living services, covering about 43% of all residents. (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2021)
  • Medicare generally does not cover the cost of assisted living, though it may cover short-term stays for certain medical conditions. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2021)
  • Long-term care insurance may help cover the cost of assisted living, but policies vary widely and may have limitations on coverage. (AARP, 2021)

Facilities and Amenities

  • Assisted living communities vary widely in size and amenities, ranging from small homes to large complexes with hundreds of residents. (National Center for Assisted Living, 2021)
  • Common amenities in assisted living communities include dining rooms, activity rooms, outdoor spaces, and transportation services. (National Center for Assisted Living, 2021)
  • Many communities offer specialized care for residents with dementia or other memory impairments. (Alzheimer's Association, 2021)

Workforce

  • The demand for direct care workers in assisted living is expected to grow by 36% from 2018 to 2028. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019)
  • Direct care workers in assisted living earn an average hourly wage of $13.86. (Paraprofessional Healthcare Institute, 2019)
  • Many direct care workers in assisted living lack basic benefits such as health insurance and paid time off. (Paraprofessional Healthcare Institute, 2019)
Senior Housing News

Resident Rights

  • Residents of assisted living communities have certain rights under federal law, including the right to privacy, dignity, and autonomy. (National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care, 2021)
  • Residents also have the right to file complaints and to be free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. (National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care, 2021)
  • Some states have additional protections for assisted living residents, such as minimum staffing ratios and requirements for background checks on staff. (AARP, 2019)

Environmental Sustainability

  • Many assisted living communities are exploring ways to reduce their environmental impact through practices such as energy-efficient building design and renewable energy sources. (Senior Housing News, 2021)
  • Some communities are also implementing programs to reduce waste and promote recycling. (Senior Housing News, 2021)
  • Sustainable practices can benefit both the environment and residents' health by reducing exposure to pollutants and promoting a healthier living environment. (Environmental Protection Agency, 2021)

Transportation

  • Many assisted living communities provide transportation services for residents, which can contribute to air pollution and traffic congestion if not managed properly. (National Center for Sustainable Transportation, 2019)
  • Some communities are exploring alternatives to traditional transportation, such as electric or hybrid vehicles, bike sharing programs, and partnerships with public transit agencies. (National Center for Sustainable Transportation, 2019)
  • Sustainable transportation options can reduce emissions and improve air quality, while also providing residents with greater mobility and independence. (National Center for Sustainable Transportation, 2019)
Transportation Affordability

Water Conservation

  • Assisted living communities consume large amounts of water for activities such as laundry, bathing, and landscaping. (Environmental Protection Agency, 2021)
  • Many communities are implementing water conservation measures such as low-flow toilets and faucets, drought-resistant landscaping, and rainwater harvesting systems. (Environmental Protection Agency, 2021)
  • Water conservation can help reduce the strain on local water resources and save money on utility bills. (Environmental Protection Agency, 2021)

Food Systems

  • Assisted living communities typically provide meals for residents, which can have a significant environmental impact due to the production and transportation of food. (Environmental Working Group, 2021)
  • Some communities are implementing sustainable food systems such as community gardens, local sourcing of food, and composting programs. (Environmental Working Group, 2021)
  • Sustainable food systems can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from food production and transportation, support local farmers and economies, and provide residents with fresh and healthy food options. (Environmental Working Group, 2021)

Energy Efficiency

  • Assisted living communities require a significant amount of energy to power heating, cooling, and other electrical systems.
  • Many communities are implementing energy efficiency measures such as installing LED lighting, upgrading HVAC systems, and using smart thermostats.
  • Energy efficiency can reduce the environmental impact of energy use and save money on utility bills.
The Senior List

Waste Management

  • Assisted living communities generate a large amount of waste from activities such as food preparation and packaging, medical supplies, and personal care products.
  • Some communities are implementing waste management measures such as recycling programs, composting programs, and reducing single-use plastics.
  • Proper waste management can reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, conserve natural resources, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Green Building

  • Assisted living communities can be designed and constructed to be more environmentally friendly through the use of sustainable materials and efficient building practices.
  • Some communities are implementing green building measures such as using recycled materials, incorporating natural light and ventilation systems, and using renewable energy sources like solar panels.
  • Green building practices can reduce the environmental impact of construction and operation of buildings, while also creating healthier living spaces for residents.

Assisted living is a complex and evolving industry that plays an important role in caring for seniors. By understanding these 60 statistics, you can gain a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities in this field.

Sources of Payment for Assisted Living

The payment for assisted living services can come from various sources, depending on the individual's financial situation and the available options. Here are some common sources of payment:

  • Private Funds: Many individuals and families use personal savings, investments, or retirement funds to cover the costs of assisted living. This approach allows for greater flexibility and control over the choice of facility and services.
  • Long-Term Care Insurance: Long-term care insurance policies are specifically designed to help cover the costs of assisted living and other long-term care services. These policies vary in coverage and eligibility criteria, so it's important to review the terms and conditions of the policy to understand what expenses it will cover.
  • Veterans Benefits: Veterans and their spouses may be eligible for certain benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to assist with the costs of assisted living. The Aid and Attendance program is one such benefit that provides financial assistance to veterans who require the aid of another person to perform daily living activities.
  • Medicaid: Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides healthcare coverage for low-income individuals. While Medicaid typically covers nursing home care, some states offer waivers or programs that allow Medicaid funds to be used for assisted living services. Eligibility requirements and availability vary by state, so it's important to check with your local Medicaid office for more information.
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FAQs

What is assisted living?

Assisted living is a type of long-term care that provides assistance with daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing, and medication management. Assisted living communities offer residents a range of services and amenities to support their independence and quality of life.

How is assisted living regulated?

Assisted living is regulated at the state level, with each state setting its own standards for licensing, staffing, and resident care. Some states have more stringent regulations than others, and there is no federal oversight of the industry.

How much does assisted living cost?

The cost of assisted living can vary widely depending on factors such as location, size of the community, and level of care needed. According to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2020, the national average monthly cost for assisted living was $4,300.

What types of services are typically offered in an assisted living community?

Assisted living communities offer a range of services and amenities to support residents' health and well-being. Common services include assistance with daily activities such as bathing and dressing, medication management, housekeeping and laundry services, transportation to appointments or outings, social activities and events, and access to on-site healthcare providers.

How do I know if assisted living is right for me or my loved one?

Choosing a long-term care option can be a difficult decision. It's important to consider factors such as your current health needs, future healthcare needs, budgetary constraints, location preferences, social support system, and personal preferences when deciding whether or not assisted living may be right for you or your loved one. Talking with a healthcare provider or eldercare specialist can also provide helpful guidance in making this decision.

Summary

Assisted living is a complex and evolving industry that plays an important role in caring for seniors. In fact, according to the National Center for Assisted Living, there are over 28,000 assisted living communities in the United States alone, serving over 800,000 residents.

As the population ages, the demand for assisted living is only expected to grow. By 2025, it's estimated that there will be over 1.2 million seniors living in assisted living facilities in the US.

Despite these challenges, there are also many opportunities in the field. With advances in technology and healthcare, assisted living communities are better equipped than ever to provide high-quality care to seniors. And with a growing emphasis on person-centered care, more and more facilities are focusing on individualized care plans that prioritize the unique needs and preferences of each resident.

By understanding these 60 statistics, you can gain a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities in this field. So if you're considering a career in assisted living, or if you're a family member of a senior who may someday need assisted living care, it's important to stay informed and up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in the industry.

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