Written by: Elena Cox
The United States is facing a caregiving crisis.
As America's population ages and adults are staying active for longer, many are choosing to live in assisted-living facilities.
Assisted-living facilities offer 24-hour care but are less hands-on than nursing homes. They can offer the best of both worlds for a generation that values independence. Still, low staffing levels are causing facilities to raise prices and, in some cases, close their doors entirely, exacerbating an already severe care gap.
Residents of assisted-living facilities generally have their own apartments with shared amenities, offering more privacy and autonomy. They are also typically less expensive than nursing homes or home care.
Compare Home Health Care Agencies examined data compiled by the Department of Homeland Security's Geospatial Management Office to find which parts of the country have the highest rate of assisted-living facilities per 100,000 residents over 65. While facilities have varying numbers of beds that can accommodate more patients, the number of facilities is used since bed data was not available for some states.
After dipping in 2020, occupancy rates at assisted-living facilities have largely recovered since the COVID-19 pandemic—faster than nursing homes and independent living communities. However, tough working conditions, like being able to lift patients and deal with stressed and angry family members, combined with low wages, have caused a workforce shortage.
Fewer nurses and other medical professionals on staff can lead to a lack of individual attention and care. To remedy this, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services implemented requirements in April 2024 to increase staff-to-patient ratios; however, senior living facilities say the new staffing rules, which will be phased in over the next five years, are onerous.
The result is a face-off between government regulations and the private sector, which has been criticized for maximizing profits while not meeting patient needs and, in some cases, abuse and neglect.
Read for more at:
States with the Most Assisted-Living Facilities per Capita (findhomehealthcareagencies.com)