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Nursing Home Occupancy at Lowest Rate Since 2005

According to data compiled by the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care (NIC), nursing home occupancy rates for the fourth quarter of 2016 remained at their lowest levels since 2005, or at an average rate of 86.8%. In comparison, nursing home occupancy rates over the last four years averaged 89.7%. Annual inventory growth rate for nursing care also remained flat at 0%. Likewise, assisted living occupancy rates fell 0.3% from the third quarter of 2016 to 87.6%, which is the lowest occupancy rate since early in 2010. Meanwhile, occupancy rate for independent living properties averaged 91.1%, or an increase of 0.1% from the prior quarter.

As a result of these figures, the inventory of available units numbered more than 5,900, which is the most units available in a single quarter since 2006, which is the first year that NIC started maintaining and analyzing this type of data. The strongest area of inventory gain was in assisted living units, which numbered some 4,100 units alone.

Given the naturally aging nature of the American population, it is no surprise that occupancy rates remain relatively high, even as they have reached the lowest rates in years. The highest rate of occupancy of the different types of senior housing choices is independent living properties, as opposed to nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Due to the prevalence of seniors needing at least some degree of assistance in terms of housekeeping, medical care, and/or the activities of daily living, occupancy rates at all of these facilities remained high, although the inventory of these units continued to rise.

All too often, nursing home staff members fail to properly monitor or care for residents, which can result in injuries and even death in some cases. Nothing can substitute for proper care provided by nursing home staff. At Boller & Vaughan, we focus on protecting the rights of those who have suffered neglectful or abusive actions at the hands of nursing home facilities. We have the skills and knowledge to delve into the facts of your case, consider all available options, and advocate on your behalf by bringing any legal claims that you may have against the nursing home in question, or its staff members. Call your Wisconsin nursing home neglect attorneys at (608) 268-0268 and schedule your free consultation today.