Older adults have heightened vulnerability to illness and impaired mobility prior to, and just after, entering a senior housing and care property, but frailty levels then quickly plateau and ultimately decline, according to a recent study conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago, and funded through a grant from the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care (NIC).

In a review of Medicare claims of residents from 14,201 senior living properties and using a frailty index developed by researchers at Harvard University, residents were found to experience a 10% decline in relative frailty levels one year after moving in, as compared to their peak health. The findings can help senior housing advocates better understand and respond to older adults’ health needs. 

“Non-medical care and services like socialization, transportation, exercise, balanced nutrition, medication management and others have a positive impact on a resident’s health,” said Dianne Munevar, lead researcher at NORC. “The measured decrease in vulnerability once older adults settle into senior housing suggests a tremendous opportunity for the industry to work with payers and other intermediaries to direct care into senior housing properties in a way that is beneficial to beneficiaries and residents.”

NORC used the Harvard Claims-Based Frailty Index to assess older adults’ vulnerability to adverse health outcomes as measured by their rate of chronic conditions, acute conditions, and health services utilization. Residents with the greatest level of need and vulnerability tend to live in properties that offer the most intensive support services.

Experts say that while frailty can be a proxy to determine an older adult’s functional status, vulnerability of older adults is an important concept in senior housing research, because it suggests a temporary state of being that can be corrected with the proper interventions.

“Showing that vulnerability levels off and then declines after entering senior living is an important finding, especially for senior housing operators and residents,” said Raymond Braun, president and CEO at NIC. “For residents, it suggests that this kind of housing can help restore a measure of vitality and independence. For operators, it indicates that investing in non-medical supports is critical for residents’ improved health and safety.”

The study is the first part of a four-part project supported by NIC to assess the health and well-being of senior housing and care residents.

To download the study, "Older Adults Are Demonstrably Less Vulnerable Soon After Moving into Senior Housing," click here