Individuals living in senior housing may experience better health outcomes because they receive effective healthcare management and care coordination, especially after three years of residence, according to a new study from NORC at the University of Chicago.
“Older adults who remain in senior housing utilize less acute care services and see their health stabilize for several years after moving in,” the report stated.
Residents with neurodegenerative diseases (NDD) also benefit because they suffer fewer hospitalizations and readmissions, “enabling timely access to care in a supportive environment, ultimately leading to greater longevity” and reducing some of the burden on family caregivers," according to NORC.
After six years of living in senior housing, the report found, “residents have more healthy days at home, fewer hospitalizations, fewer emergency department visits, fewer skilled nursing facility stays, and lower costs of care.”
There were 14% fewer emergency department visits from year one to year three of a patient’s admission. And average total Medicare costs per patient fell $7,200 from year one to year three.
The study, funded by the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing and Care (NIC), also identified benefits for older adults with chronic illnesses like NDD who are frequent users of healthcare services and specialized care. As many as 70% of adults with dementia have at least one other medical condition.
However, in top-performing senior housing communities, residents with NDD enjoyed greater stability and safety with shorter hospital visits, stays and readmissions, as well as lower Medicare and out-of-pocket costs. High levels of primary care and supportive services led to sharp reductions in primary care visits but greater numbers of neurological, physical therapy and home health visits, ultimately promoting the health and wellness of older adults.
“Senior housing is a valuable part of the healthcare continuum,” said Tim Jackson, senior principal of healthcare strategy at NIC.
“The number of older adults who require special care is growing, and senior housing operators are looking to provide effective and efficient solutions that help address their unique healthcare challenges.”
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