Skilled nursing facilities experienced slightly increased occupancy rates in the first quarter of 2016, likely due to winter-related causes such as  flu and falls, according to the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care.

Occupancy increased throughout January and February before leveling off at 83.4% in March, according to a June NIC report.

Skilled mix and quality mix both increased due to the seasonal boost in occupancy. The overall seasonality effect was not as strong as previous years due to a late flu season, NIC officials explained.