Data Point:  Residential Care Community Resident Characteristics

(Aug. 13, 2024) The National Center for Health Statistics recently published data from the National Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Study outlining demographic and payor data for residential care community residents. Residential care communities provide housing for people who cannot live independently but generally do not require the skilled care provided by nursing homes. While the terminology differs state to state, in New York it encompasses assisted living and adult care facilities. 

In 2022, about 1,016,400 residents lived in residential care communities. This study found that about 17% of residential care community residents were Medicaid beneficiaries, and the percentage of residents with Medicaid varied by age. About 32% of residents younger than 75 were Medicaid funded, along with 19% of residents aged 75-84, and 12% of residents aged 85 and older.

The patient acuity in these communities varies, with 18% of residents having 4-10 of the 10 most common chronic conditions, 55% of residents having 2-3 chronic conditions, 19% having 1 condition, and 8% having 0 of the 10 most chronic conditions.

Of the resident population, most were female (67%), White non-Hispanic (92%), and age 85 and older (53%). Residential care community residents are reported as needing assistance with various activities of daily living, such as bathing (75%), walking (71%), and dressing (60%). To view the full report, click here.

Contact:  Eric Dumas, edumas@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8383