A recent research series conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago (NORC) in collaboration with the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care (NIC) has revealed that older adults who transition to senior living communities experience improved health outcomes compared to those living in private homes.
The study found that senior living residents had decreased vulnerability to negative health outcomes, received comprehensive care, and enjoyed increased longevity compared to aging in place. Notably, there was a significant reduction in inpatient admissions from the emergency department among senior living residents, according to NIC Healthcare Strategy Senior Principal Ryan Brooks.
In addition, data released earlier by the NIC and NORC partnership indicated that seniors in senior living communities had a lower mortality rate in the two years following their move, with an average of 20% compared to 22% for those living at home. Residents of senior living communities also lived on average 10.4 days longer during the two-year study period.
The study highlighted variations in health outcomes among residents within senior living facilities, with those in the top 25% of communities generally outliving those in the bottom 25% by more than two months. The research emphasized the value of senior housing in improving access to safe and high-quality care for older adults.
Senior living operators have been effective in managing resident clinical risk and the research called for further study on the cost savings for Medicare and the impact of new value-based care models. The findings underscore the importance of senior housing in providing improved health outcomes for older adults.
Some senior living operators have started measuring their own health outcomes and research efforts to better understand resident needs and care. The research has laid the foundation for future studies that will quantify cost savings and reductions in healthcare spending for residents in senior housing settings.
The data demonstrates the alignment between senior housing owners and operators in providing high-quality care for older adults and emphasizes the value of senior living communities to CMS, Medicare Advantage payers, and other healthcare stakeholders.
