Most Senior Living Facilities Are Over 90% Full

Last week, the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care (NIC) released a report detailing the availability of housing for seniors looking to move to an on-campus facility. Across the 31 markets surveyed by NIC, average occupancy rates exceeded 90% as of July 2026.

When occupancy reaches these levels, waitlists increase and prospective members have fewer options when selecting where to live. Not just when choosing the type of room or villa, but what city it’s in. Building additional supply isn’t an immediate solution—new senior housing developments can take years to come online.

Uncertain housing availability means decisions must be made today

Making plans for the future, especially a future that will look much different from today, is difficult. It’s easier to think, I’ll make the decision when I need to move than it is to sit down and plan for the inevitable loss of independence that comes with age. Unfortunately, if you wait, you might be stuck with whatever housing is available.

Other folks push off decisions because they think money will guarantee them options. This is increasingly risky in the current senior housing market. Money can’t buy a room or villa at an on-campus facility if it doesn’t exist.

We launched Jordan River Living in the metro Detroit community to give adults an option for designing their later years before the reality is threatening. Our members know exactly what their care will cost as they extend their ability to live independently at home. Should they need to move for care, they know it was their choice. An emergency, waitlist, or lack of alternatives didn’t choose their future for them.