60 Assisted Living Statistics And Facts

Assisted Living Statistics

Assisted living facilities provide seniors with extra support to maintain their independence. They offer a range of services, including help with daily activities, medication management, and transportation. Seniors can also enjoy a caring community with access to social events and educational programs. There are many types of facilities available, from small, home-like settings to larger, more institutional facilities.

General Statistics

These statistics paint a picture of the current state of assisted living and aging in the United States. They reveal the number of licensed beds, the average cost of assisted living, and the growing number of older adults in the country. The prevalence of dementia is also highlighted, along with the challenges seniors face in staying in their own homes as they age.

• According to the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL), there are approximately 30,600 assisted living communities in the United States.
• The NCAL reports that there are over 1.2 million licensed beds in assisted living communities across the country.
• As of 2021, the average monthly cost of assisted living in the United States is $4,300, according to Genworth's Cost of Care Survey.
• In 2020, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated that there were 54 million people aged 65 and older in the United States.
• The NCAL reports that the average age of residents in assisted living communities is 87.
• A study by the AARP found that 77% of adults over the age of 50 would prefer to stay in their own home as they age.
• However, the same AARP study found that only 59% of adults over the age of 65 believe they will be able to stay in their own home as they age.
• The NCAL reports that more than half of assisted living residents are women (64%).
• The Alzheimer's Association estimates that 55 million people worldwide are living with dementia.
• The Alzheimer's Association also estimates that by 2050, the number of people aged 65 and older with Alzheimer's disease will reach 139 million.

Care and Services

Assisted living communities provide a range of care and services to help residents with their daily needs. A majority of residents require assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) and have cognitive impairments, according to studies by the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL). Many assisted living communities offer medication management, housekeeping, laundry, and transportation services, as reported by the Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA).

• The NCAL reports that 70% of assisted living residents require assistance with at least three activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing and dressing.
• The same NCAL study found that 50% of assisted living residents have a cognitive impairment.
• According to the Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA), 85% of assisted living communities offer medication management services.
• The ALFA also reports that 70% of assisted living communities offer housekeeping and laundry services.
• 60% of assisted living communities offer transportation services, according to the ALFA.
• The NCAL reports that 78% of assisted living communities offer 24-hour staff availability.
• The same NCAL study found that 70% of assisted living communities offer Alzheimer's/dementia care.

Staffing and Training

If you are considering an assisted living community for yourself or a loved one, it's important to understand the level of staffing and training provided. In this section, we present data from industry studies that shed light on some key aspects of this topic, such as the availability of licensed nurses, staff-to-resident ratios, ongoing staff training, and other important factors.

• According to the NCAL, the average staff-to-resident ratio in assisted living communities is 1 to 10.
• The NCAL also reports that 90% of assisted living communities have a licensed nurse available at least 8 hours per day.
• 68% of assisted living communities provide ongoing training for staff members, according to the ALFA.
• The same ALFA study found that 94% of assisted living communities conduct background checks on employees.
• According to the NCAL, 71% of assisted living communities have a full-time social worker on staff.
• The same NCAL study found that 79% of assisted living communities have a full-time activity director on staff.\

Ownership and Regulation

Understanding the ownership and regulation of assisted living communities is crucial for those considering this type of care for themselves or a loved one. In this section, we present data from various sources, such as the NCAL, the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care, and the Government Accountability Office. The data addresses key topics like for-profit operators, state licensing and regulatory practices, staffing requirements, training mandates, and incident reporting requirements.

• The NCAL reports that 74% of assisted living communities are operated by for-profit organizations.
• In 2019, the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care reported that 60% of assisted living communities are licensed and regulated by state agencies.
• The same Consumer Voice study found that only 37% of states require assisted living communities to have a registered nurse (RN) on staff.
• According to the Consumer Voice, only 21 states require background checks for all assisted living staff members.
• The Consumer Voice also reports that only 14 states require assisted living communities to train staff on dementia care.
• In 2019, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) reported that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) does not have the authority to regulate assisted living communities.
• The GAO also found that only 22 states require assisted living communities to report incidents of abuse or neglect.

Resident Satisfaction and Quality of Life

The satisfaction and quality of life of residents in assisted living communities are key factors to consider when evaluating these options for yourself or a loved one. In this section, we present data from various sources, such as the NCAL and the AARP, that offer insights into how residents feel about their experience in these communities. The data covers aspects like overall satisfaction, feelings of safety and security, social interaction, and loneliness.

• A study by the NCAL found that 94% of assisted living residents are satisfied with their overall experience.
• The same NCAL study found that 82% of assisted living residents feel safe and secure in their community.
• According to the AARP, 80% of adults over the age of 65 believe that social interaction is important for maintaining a good quality of life.
• The same AARP study found that 63% of adults over the age of 65 feel lonely.
• The NCAL reports that 78% of assisted living residents participate in at least one social activity per week.

Industry Growth and Projections

The assisted living industry is experiencing significant growth and change, driven by demographic shifts and evolving societal needs.

• The NCAL predicts that the number of U.S. adults aged 85 and older will triple by 2050.
• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the assisted living industry is projected to grow by 36% from 2019 to 2029.
• The same BLS report found that the median annual wage for personal care aides in assisted living communities is $25,280.
• A report by the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care (NIC) found that there is a shortage of affordable assisted living options in many parts of the United States.
• The same NIC report predicts that the demand for assisted living services will continue to grow, driven in part by the aging baby boomer population.

COVID-19 Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the world in countless ways, and the assisted living industry is no exception. As the virus swept across the globe, it left a trail of devastation in its wake, affecting every aspect of daily life. This includes the operations and residents of assisted living communities. In this article, we explore some of the ways that COVID-19 has affected the assisted living industry, including its impact on occupancy rates, costs, and vaccination efforts.

• A study by the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) found that COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the assisted living industry.
• The same NBER study found that COVID-19 has led to a decrease in occupancy rates and an increase in costs for assisted living communities.
• According to the NCAL, more than 50% of assisted living communities have reported at least one case of COVID-19.
• The same NCAL study found that 52% of assisted living communities have reported a death due to COVID-19.
• A report by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that as of August 2021, 95% of assisted living residents have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Diversity and Inclusion

While the industry is meant to provide care for a wide range of people, there is a significant racial imbalance, with African Americans being particularly underrepresented among residents and staff. Additionally, research shows that certain minority groups are at a higher risk for Alzheimer's disease, underscoring the importance of addressing these disparities and promoting diversity and inclusion in all aspects of healthcare.

• A study by LeadingAge found that the assisted living industry is not as racially diverse as the overall U.S. population.
• The same LeadingAge study found that only 7% of assisted living residents are African American.
• According to the NCAL, only 9% of assisted living staff members are African American.
• The same NCAL study found that 16% of assisted living staff members are Hispanic/Latino.
• A report by the Alzheimer's Association found that African Americans and Hispanics/Latinos are more likely to have Alzheimer's disease than non-Hispanic whites.

Technology and Innovation

The use of technology in assisted living communities is becoming increasingly common, according to a variety of industry reports. Electronic health records, telehealth technology, and medication administration records are all being implemented in a growing number of communities. Additionally, monitoring technology is also being used to help ensure the safety and well-being of residents. As the demand for technology-enabled senior housing and care services continues to rise, it is likely that the use of innovative solutions will become even more widespread in the years ahead.

• The ALFA reports that 40% of assisted living communities use electronic health records (EHRs).
• The same ALFA study found that 21% of assisted living communities use telehealth technology.
• According to the NCAL, 26% of assisted living communities use electronic medication administration records (eMARs).
• The same NCAL study found that 20% of assisted living communities use sensors or other monitoring technology.
• A report by the NIC found that there is a growing demand for technology-enabled senior housing and care services.

Legal and Ethical Issues

The assisted living industry raises a number of legal and ethical issues that must be addressed in order to ensure the safety and well-being of residents. Many residents have limited legal protections, and requirements for written contracts are not universal across all states. Additionally, financial exploitation is a significant concern for many residents, with reporting requirements varying widely from state to state. As new technologies are introduced into assisted living communities, it is also important to establish ethical guidelines for their use in order to protect the privacy and autonomy of residents.

• A report by the Consumer Voice found that many assisted living residents have limited legal protections.
• The same Consumer Voice study found that only 13 states require assisted living communities to provide residents with a written contract.
• According to the AARP, many assisted living residents are vulnerable to financial exploitation.
• The same AARP study found that only 29 states require assisted living communities to report incidents of financial exploitation.
• A report by the National Academy of Medicine found that there is a need for ethical guidelines for the use of emerging technologies in assisted living.

FAQs

What is assisted living?

Assisted living is a type of long-term care that provides housing, meals, and assistance with daily activities to seniors and people with disabilities. It is designed for individuals who need help with tasks like bathing, dressing, and taking medication but do not require the round-the-clock medical care provided in nursing homes.

How much does assisted living cost?

The cost of assisted living varies depending on factors like location, level of care required, and amenities offered. According to a 2020 survey by Genworth Financial, the national median monthly cost of assisted living was $4,300.

Is there financial assistance available for assisted living?

Some states offer financial assistance for low-income seniors who need help paying for assisted living. Additionally, Medicaid may cover some or all of the costs associated with assisted living for eligible individuals.

How do I choose an assisted living community?

Choosing an assisted living community can be overwhelming. It's important to do your research and visit multiple communities before making a decision. Consider factors like location, staff-to-resident ratio, level of care provided, and resident satisfaction ratings.

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

Assisted living communities typically offer services like meal preparation and housekeeping as well as assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing and dressing. Many communities also offer social activities and transportation services.

Are pets allowed in assisted living communities?

Many assisted living communities allow residents to have pets. However, there may be restrictions on the size or breed of pet allowed.

What happens if my loved one's needs change while they are in an assisted living community?

If your loved one's needs change while they are in an assisted living community, they may be able to receive additional services or move to a different level of care within the same community. If their needs exceed what the community can provide, they may need to move to a different type of care facility.

Summary

As we have seen, there are many factors to consider when evaluating assisted living communities for yourself or a loved one. From the availability of housekeeping and laundry services to staffing ratios and ongoing training, to resident satisfaction and quality of life, the industry is complex and dynamic. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the industry, affecting everything from occupancy rates to vaccination efforts. Despite these challenges, there is reason for optimism as technology-enabled senior housing and care services continue to grow in popularity. It is important to stay informed about the latest trends and developments in this rapidly evolving field in order to make informed decisions about care options for you or your loved ones.

Sources:

• https://www.nber.org/papers/
• https://www.discoveryvillages.com/senior-living-blog/what-statistics-say-about-assisted-living-communities/
• https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/residential-care-communities.htm
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books
• https://www.forbes.com/health/senior-living/what-is-assisted-living/
• https://www.theseniorlist.com/assisted-living/statistics/
• https://www.aplaceformom.com/senior-living-data/articles/assisted-living-statistics