Assessing Health & Well-Being of Senior Housing and Care Residents: Frailty

September 19, 2023

In partnership with NORC

Research  • Healthcare and Wellness  • Partnering for Health  • Senior Housing  • Research Study

Study Shows Older Adults Are Less Vulnerable After Moving into Senior Housing

Older adults have heightened frailty or vulnerability to illness and mobility challenges prior to, and just after, entering a senior housing and care property, but that quickly levels off and ultimately declines after move-in, according to research by NORC at the University of Chicago, funded through a grant from NIC.  This decrease in vulnerability once older adults transition to senior housing presents tremendous opportunities for the industry.

This study is the first of a four-part series supported by NIC to assess the health and well-being of senior housing and care residents. Subsequent studies will provide insights on access to health care providers, longevity, and health outcomes of residents in senior living settings.


Study Shows Older Adults Are Less Vulnerable After Moving into Senior Housing

Older adults have heightened frailty or vulnerability to illness and mobility challenges prior to, and just after, entering a senior housing and care property, but that quickly levels off and ultimately declines after move-in, according to research by NORC at the University of Chicago, funded through a grant from NIC.  This decrease in vulnerability once older adults transition to senior housing presents tremendous opportunities for the industry.

“The finding that vulnerability decreases after entering senior living shows that non-medical support is critical to good care. 
It can increase residents’ independence, health and safety.”

John Cochrane
President & Chief Executive Officer
HumanGood

The study was conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago (NORC), through a grant from NIC, in support of the NIC mission to improve access and choice in senior housing and care. 

About NORC

NORC at the University of Chicago is an objective, non-partisan research institution that delivers reliable data and rigorous analysis to guide critical programmatic, business, and policy decisions. Since 1941, NORC has conducted groundbreaking studies, created and applied innovative methods and tools, and advanced principles of scientific integrity and collaboration. Today, government, corporate, and nonprofit clients around the world partner with NORC to transform increasingly complex information into useful knowledge. www.norc.org