Sponsor spotlight The history of senior living in the U.S. Will you or someone you know need assistance?

The evolution of senior care in the U. S. has shifted from family responsibility to a structured system of assisted living and nursing homes. Following the establishment of Medicare and Medicaid in 1965, the financial burden of elder care transitioned to federal support, resulting in the transformation of poor houses into nursing homes. Dr.

Keren Brown Wilson's vision in the 1970s led to the creation of the assisted living model, prioritizing senior autonomy and personalized care. With approximately 36,000 assisted living communities in the U. S. as of February 2024, about 1. 4% of seniors currently reside in these facilities, with an average stay of 22 months.

In Washington state, over 1,300 assisted living communities exist, with costs ranging from $1,000 to over $10,000 monthly. Experts predict that demand for senior care will increase by nearly 80% by 2030, necessitating nearly 1 million new senior living units. Various factors drive seniors to seek assisted living, including access to healthcare, socialization opportunities, and support with daily activities. As families consider options for their elderly loved ones, resources are available to guide them in making informed decisions.