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Keep residents more independent, longer
A goal of communities with multiple levels of care is to keep residents in the most independent level of care.25 After all, the cash flow margin is highest for residents in independent living units, points out industry watchers at Ziegler Senior Living Finance.26
Not surprisingly, independence is the goal of most older adults, too. This point was brought home in a national survey of over 7,000 US adults 55 years and older.17 These are the “important reasons” why 853 Baby Boomers and 336 65+ adults were moving into a retirement community:
- 46.1% of Baby Boomers and 39.6% of people 65+ to gain freedom and independence; and
- 83.3% of Boomers and 67.4% of 65+ for more social contacts and activities.
However, after living in a retirement community, freedom and independence became even more important to residents than services such as housekeeping. The results led lead author George Moschis to observe that “… marketers should position retirement communities as facilities that promote independence ….”
This finding was echoed in The Independent Living Report, which stated that residents reported higher levels of satisfaction when they were functionally independent, compared to residents who needed help with ADLs or IADLs.18
In simple terms, “functional independence” means people can take care of themselves. Residents who are able to maintain ADLs and IADLs—regardless of their health conditions—require less assistance and stay longer in independent living since they don’t need to move for health reasons.
The wellness program is a key facilitator of functional independence because it features purposeful education, coaching and activities that enable individuals to maintain their independence for as long as possible.
- Older adults who enjoy moderate physical activity and good nutrition, and don’t smoke, can delay disability by as much as 10 years.27
- For 19 frail elders, every percentage point increase in a resident’s functional ability, measured by the FIM score, reduced cost of care by .50 cents a day. A 14% increase in functional ability reduced cost of care by $7.00 per day.29
Continued...Reduces the need for direct-care workers.
