Despite reports of record-high COVID-19 cases across the country occurring daily, roughly two-thirds of seniors housing and care organizations, including independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing properties, report that they have not increased move-in restrictions. That’s according to data collected from the most recent Executive Survey conducted by the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care.
“Organizations are not increasing move-in restrictions presumably in part due to operator innovations in infection mitigation and creative visitation protocols which have gained acceptance from many residents and families,” wrote Lana Peck, senior principal at NIC, in a blog post highlighting the latest survey results.
The latest survey — Wave 19 — included responses collected Dec. 28 to Jan. 10 from owners and executives across 86 senior living communities and skilled nursing facilities.
The survey also found that 57% of operators with nursing care beds noted declines in occupancy rates from the month prior. Of those, more than one-third (38%) reported occupancy decreases of between three and 10 percentage points. The independent living segment saw the least occupancy rate change, with more than one-third (38%) reporting no change.
More than half of respondents in the latest survey (56%) reported that they were offering rent concessions to attract new residents. That number has been above 50% in the survey since mid-September, Peck noted. One survey respondent also noted that newer, cleaner or better-maintained buildings appear to be better positioned for supporting rents due to steady demand.
