A growing number of operators across all care segments now are reporting an increase in move-ins, according to data from the most recent Executive Survey results from the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care.
From May 11 to May 24, 9% of surveyed assisted living operators reported an acceleration in the pace of move-ins over the past 30 days. That compares with 3% of operators in that segment that reported an increase in move-ins when surveyed between May 4 and May 10. An improvement in move-ins was also reported in the independent living, memory care and skilled nursing segments.
The latest survey — Wave 7 — included responses from owners and executives from 155 senior living communities and skilled nursing facilities. Slow leads conversions / sales continue to top the list of reasons cited for the deceleration in move-ins; however, about 20% fewer respondents cited an organization-imposed ban on move-ins in this latest survey wave compared with Wave 4, collected in late April.
Further, fewer operators reported a decrease in occupancy compared to earlier survey waves, NIC said. Respondents with assisted living and memory care segment units reported slightly higher shares of stable or improving occupancy rates from a week ago. And for the second consecutive wave, just more than one-third of the operators reporting on their nursing care segments noted occupancy rate declines from one week prior — significantly lower than in Waves 5 and 4 (67% and 62%).