Activated Insights, along with the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing and Care, recently conducted a survey, which found that coronavirus has not negatively affected occupancy levels at senior living facilities in the U.S. In fact, some facilities are seeing increased occupancy. The phone survey consisted of 19 operators who represent 1,078 buildings and 100,899 units across independent living, assisted living, and continuing care retirement communities.

Although some reports have claimed families are taking their elderly loved ones out of senior housing amid the current crisis, this small study of senior living communities across the U.S. shows the opposite. In this snapshot, they found that 79% of participating senior living operators saw no substantial changes in move-outs or occupancy levels thus far. Many operators have paused move-ins during this time, while others have continued pre-scheduled move-ins with careful screening and extra precautions.

Additionally, 21% of operators reported an increase in occupancy, which some ascribe to families and loved ones realizing they are unable to properly take care of the elderly at home. Many of these families are adapting to teleworking and having their kids at home all day.

Plus, senior living communities are taking extra measures to disinfect, clean, and screen residents and staff, making them some of the safer places to be.

Read the full article from McKnight’s Senior Living.