Trends in Assisted Living

Assisted living communities have become increasinglyresidents who prefer larger living spaces. Whereas
dedicated to innovation and an emphasis onstudios used to be the most common type of
hospitality in order to remain competitive duringassisted living apartment, one-bedroom units are now
challenging economic times. Understanding themore preferable and allow residents to keep more of
resulting assisted living trends will be helpful to familiestheir furniture and belongings that make their new
that are in the process of exploring the variousapartment feel like home. In addition, many couples
options available for aging loved ones.currently moving into assisted facilities prefer
Assisted Living Trend #1: Wellness Programs toseparate bedrooms for improved sleeping. Amenities
Enhance & Promote a Healthy Lifestylefrequently include spacious walk-in closets, 9-foot
In 2009, the age of residents moving into assistedceilings, balconies and/or patios to accommodate pet
facilities nationwide averages 84.6 years. As seniorsowners as well as enhanced kitchenettes with
continue to wait longer and longer to leave theirmicrowaves and small refrigerators.
homes and move into senior living communities, theAssisted Living Trend #3: Increased Flexibility in
industry seeks to extend their length of stay byFinancing Assisted Living
promoting health and wellness among their residents.In light of current economic conditions, an increasing
Nearly every major competitor has developed anumber of assisted communities are participating in
multi-dimensional program to include a variety ofMedicaid. According to a collaborative research
exercise classes and/or access to neighborhoodproject conducted in 2009 by the Assisted Living
fitness clubs, healthy meal options as well as spiritualFederation of America, nearly half of responding
and educational opportunities. Amenities and servicesassisted care providers have licensed up to 25% of
that reflect this emphasis on wellness include thetheir apartments for Medicaid. Other communities
availability of on-site massage therapy, exercisethat may not accept Medicaid are partnering with
equipment made specifically for seniors, computercompanies that provide financing options such as a
training with specialized equipment and large screensline of credit to facilitate move-ins prior to home
as well as flexible hours for dining to accommodatesales. These types of options are very helpful to
medical appointments and activities. The success ofseniors who are reliant on the equity in their homes in
such programs improves the general health andorder to afford assisted care. Given the number of
well-being of current residents and attracts newveterans currently moving in to assisted facilities,
residents who are increasingly dedicated toproviders are also dedicated to publicizing and
maintaining their active lifestyles.promoting the Veteran's Aid & Attendance
Assisted Living Trend #2: Larger Apartments andprogram. For more information about eligibility
Increased Apartment Amenitiesrequirements for this program, visit the Veteran Aid
Between 2006 and 2009, the number of apartmentswebsite. Finally, it's never been a better time to ask
in assisted facilities has decreased from a nationwideassisted living communities about waiving entrance
average of 63 to 54. This statistic reflects a trend infees, locking in current rates and receiving assistance
combining two apartments in order to accommodatewith moving expenses!