Understanding the Length of Stay in Assisted Living: Factors, Benefits, and Challenges

Truth be told, everyone has to face the reality of aging, at least eventually. If you are planning ahead for the future needs of a loved one, you may have encountered many questions associated with moving into an assisted living facility. Perhaps at some point, you have wondered how long your loved one could possibly stay in assisted living. While there isn’t a simple answer to this question, there are many factors that can help you determine what factors can affect and dictate the length of stay in an assisted living facility.

What is Assisted Living?

Assisted living is a type of long-term care that provides assistance with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, and medication management. This type of care is specifically designed for seniors who need an extra hand in accomplishing ADLs (Activities for Daily Living), but do not require round-the-clock medical care that is provided in a nursing home.

According to the National Center for Assisted Living ^[1] (NCAL):

• There are more than 835,000 Americans currently residing in assisted living communities.
• According to the demographics, the majority of these residents age 85 or older.
• It’s estimated that an assisted living resident’s average length of stay is usually around 22 months, after which he or she will move to a nursing facility for a higher level of care.
• Currently, around one million Americans live in some type of senior living community, and that number is expected to double by the year 2030.
• By the year 2040, the 85+ population is expected to triple from the 5.7 million there were in 2011 to 14.1 million.
• An estimated 70 percent of people currently turning age 65 will require some form of long-term care in their lifetime.

Average Length of Stay in Assisted Living and Factors Affecting It

A statistic provided by the National Investment Center (NIC)^[2] in their 2010 Investment Guide cited the average length of stay in assisted living as 29 months. Understanding the average length of stay for older adults in assisted living is important for seniors and their loved ones as they consider their long-term care options. The length of stay in assisted living can vary depending on several factors, as further elaborated below.

Individual needs and preferences

The length of stay in assisted living can be influenced by the individual's specific needs and preferences. For example, some individuals may prefer to live in a smaller, more intimate setting, while others may prefer a larger facility with more amenities and services. Additionally, the type of care and support that an individual needs can also affect their length of stay.

Pre-existing health conditions

The health and functional abilities can also impact the length of stay in assisted living. For example, elderly who are in good health and are able to perform most of their daily activities independently may be able to remain in assisted living for longer periods of time. On the other hand, elderly who have chronic health conditions or who require more extensive assistance with their daily activities may need to transition to a different type of care sooner.

Availability of appropriate care

In some cases, there may not be an assisted living facility nearby that is able to meet the needs, or there may be a waiting list to get into a facility. Additionally, the availability of other types of long-term care, such as nursing homes or in-home care, can also impact the length of stay in assisted living.

Financial considerations

Financial considerations also come into the picture for several reasons. For example, seniors who are unable to pay for their care may need to transition to a different type of care, such as Medicaid-funded nursing home care, sooner than those who are able to pay for their care out of pocket. Additionally, the availability of financial assistance, such as long-term care insurance or veterans benefits, can also affect the length of stay in assisted living.

In comparison to other types of long-term care, the average length of stay in assisted living is shorter than that in a nursing home, but longer than in an adult day care center. In general, individuals who are able to remain in assisted living for longer periods of time may be able to take advantage of lower rates or other financial incentives offered by some facilities. However, it is important to note that the average length of stay in assisted living can vary depending on the individual's specific needs and circumstances.

Benefits of staying longer in assisted living

With the onset of senior years, it is most likely that you might have been faced with a number of important decisions to make. For instance, choosing the right place and the right time to move into an assisted living facility. And while you’re in it, you might as well envision the idea of how long you or a loved one stay in the facility. If you’re considering this, there are several benefits to a longer length of stay in an assisted living facility. These can include:

Opportunities for relationship building and socialization

Many assisted living facilities offer a variety of activities and events, such as group outings, exercise classes, and social gatherings, which can help residents stay engaged and connected with their community. Additionally, living in a community setting can provide opportunities to develop friendships and support networks, which can be beneficial for overall well-being.

Access to a range of services and amenities

Longer stays in assisted living can also provide access to a range of services and amenities. Many assisted living facilities offer a variety of services, such as transportation, meals, and personal care, which can help make daily life easier and more convenient for residents. Additionally, some facilities may offer additional services, such as therapy or rehabilitation, which can be beneficial for seniors who have specific health needs.

Potential for cost savings

Another potential benefit of longer stays in assisted living is the potential for cost savings. In some cases, elderly who are able to remain in assisted living for longer periods of time may be able to take advantage of lower rates or other financial incentives offered by some facilities. Additionally, it also avoids the need for more expensive types of care, such as nursing home care, which can help save money in the long run.

Challenges of longer stays in assisted living

While there are several benefits to longer stays in assisted living, there are also some challenges that need to be considered, which include:

Limited availability of higher levels of care

The main challenge of longer stays in assisted living is the limited availability of higher levels of care for seniors who may need it as their health or functional abilities decline. In some cases, assisted living facilities may not be able to provide the level of care that an elderly needs, and they may need to transition to a nursing home or other type of care. This can be difficult for both the elderly and their family, as it may require them to move to a new living environment and adapt to a new routine.

Potential for social isolation and loneliness

As senior age, they may lose friends and family members, and living in an assisted living facility can make it difficult to maintain connections with others. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, which can have negative effects on mental health and overall well-being.

Difficulty adapting to a new living environment

Longer stays in assisted living can also present challenges in terms of adapting to a new living environment. For some, moving to an assisted living facility can be a difficult transition, and they may struggle to adjust to their new surroundings and routine. This can be particularly challenging for elders with cognitive impairments, such as dementia, who may have difficulty understanding their new environment and the services and amenities that are available to them.

After Assisted Living, What’s Next?

Most of the time, residents living in assisted living facilities will live out their lives in that community if they find it compatible with their needs and preferences. However, it’s not the case for everyone. Some seniors’ needs change over time, and they may require a higher or more intensive level of assistance while some may consider other options after they have completed their stay in an assisted living community. If this happens, these are some options you might consider:

Continuing to live in the assisted living facility

In some cases, seniors may choose to continue living in the assisted living facility after their initial stay. This may be a good option for elderly who are still able to perform most of their daily activities independently and who do not require a higher level of care.

Moving to a different assisted living facility

If the current assisted living facility cannot anymore sustain providing your needs as they develop, another option is to move to a different assisted living facility that offers a different level of care or services. For example, you may choose to move to a facility that offers specialized care for seniors with chronic health conditions, or one that offers more amenities and services.

Transitioning to a nursing home

If your health or functional abilities have declined to the point where they require more intensive medical care, you may need to transition to a nursing home. Nursing homes provide round-the-clock medical care and support, and are typically equipped to handle more complex health conditions.

Receiving in-home care

For seniors who prefer to continue living in their own home, in-home care might be an option. In-home care involves having a caregiver come to your home to provide assistance with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, and medication management.