Memory care communities’ recent Occupancy troubles have been well-documented.

Still, memory care occupancy is widely expected to rise in 2018, along with independent living occupancy and assisted living occupancy, according to the latest Senior Housing News Outlook Survey and Report.

The online survey was conducted by Senior Housing News in December 2017. The findings reflect the responses of 634 SHN subscribers, 71% of whom self-identified as high-level executives within their companies.

Approximately 67% of respondents expect memory care occupancy to jump nationwide over the next 12 months, the report says. About 52% of respondents, meanwhile, believe assisted living occupancy will rise this year, and 51% of respondents believe independent living occupancy will increase.

Relatedly, occupancy will likely not be the biggest challenge for the senior living industry in 2018, according to the report.

Instead, that designation goes to staffing, which 45% of respondents think will present the greatest challenge to senior living this year. Another 25% do think occupancy will be senior living’s greatest challenge, however.

Additionally, independent living remains the most attractive senior housing sector in which to invest in 2018, the report reveals.

About 33% of respondents believe independent living will be the most attractive category in which to invest this year, followed by 24% who think memory care will be the most attractive category. Another 21% of respondents think assisted living will be the most attractive category, while 17% are confident active adult will be the most attractive category.

It’s possible that oversupply fears will begin to creep up this year, as 56% of respondents expect senior housing starts to increase either somewhat or significantly in 2018.

Written by Mary Kate Nelson

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