Although many senior living and care operators have been eagerly anticipating a boost in occupancy as a result of COVID-19 vaccine availability, the upward trend hasn’t hit just yet, according to data collected from the most recent Executive Survey conducted by the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care.
The latest survey — Wave 21 — included responses collected Jan. 25 to Feb. 7 from owners and executives across 84 senior living and skilled nursing organizations.
Results showed that approximately a quarter of organizations responding to the latest survey noted an increase in prospect interest specifically related to the vaccine. Yet for each of the care segments — independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing — the shares of organizations reporting occupancy declines in the past month continued to outpace those reporting higher occupancy.
The survey also provided insights on vaccine uptake within long-term care. Approximately 80% of residents and 50% of staff members have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, on average, and about 60% of residents and 45% of staff members have received the second dose.
“While educating and motivating staff to be vaccinated continues to be cited as a challenge, the majority of organizations have not made the vaccine mandatory,” said said Lana Peck, senior principal at NIC, in a blog post highlighting the latest survey results.
