Over the past decade, the nonprofit nursing home sector has seen remarkable growth, with an average annual increase of 2.2%. This growth has been accompanied by notable shifts in the industry landscape, including increased consolidation through mergers and acquisitions. The latest insights from the LeadingAge Ziegler 200 report, released recently, shed light on key trends shaping this sector, encompassing technological advancements, downsizing initiatives, and evolving service offerings among 200 prominent providers.
While independent and assisted living facilities have experienced consistent expansion, the number of nursing care beds has declined significantly. However, a significant uptick has been observed in specialized memory care units, with 69% of the LZ 200 providers now offering such services, reflecting a growing need for specialized senior care for individuals with dementia and related conditions.
Size variability is notable among nonprofit nursing home operators, with units ranging from 394 to 21,959. The report identifies the top list of nursing homes providers based on the number of nursing home beds they manage, with organizations like:
The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society – 8,423
Ascension Living – 3,689
The Carmelite System, Inc. – 2,349
Benedictine – 2,093
Trinity Health Senior Communities – 2,029
ArchCare – 1,723
Acts Retirement-Life Communities – 1,523
Presbyterian Homes & Services – 1,472
Cassia – 1,386
Covenant Health – 1,332
Provider expansion strategies have primarily revolved around unit expansions within existing campuses and the disposal of outdated or financially strained facilities. Moreover, there has been a noticeable trend towards growth through affiliations, acquisitions, or mergers, indicating a strategic approach to adapting to evolving market dynamics.
The report also underscores the importance of home and community-based services within the nonprofit nursing home sector.
Approximately 45% of LZ 200 providers now offer various forms of home-based care, including home health, adult day care, and continuing care at-home programs. The popularity of models like CCaH (Continuing Care at Home) has surged, with over 10% of organizations adopting this approach to provide comprehensive care solutions to seniors in their residences.
Technological integration is increasingly becoming a cornerstone of service delivery within nonprofit nursing homes, with a significant majority adopting electronic documentation systems and health records. While adoption rates vary for health and wellness technologies, there's a notable emphasis on management and coordination software, social engagement tools, and advanced analytics.
The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic has further accelerated the adoption of innovative solutions within the sector. New categories introduced in the report include:
staff and resident screening measures,
infection control technologies, and
robotic solutions aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and safety protocols.
In conclusion, the nonprofit nursing home sector continues to evolve rapidly, driven by demographic shifts, technological advancements, and changing consumer preferences. As providers navigate these changes, the focus remains steadfast on delivering high-quality care while adapting to emerging challenges and opportunities in the healthcare landscape.
Comments