A new report says that the average length of stay of residents in skilled nursing beds in 2003 was about six months less than residents in assisted living beds and about 39 months less than residents in independent units.

“The State of Seniors Housing 2004” was released last week by several companies and associations, including the American Seniors Housing Association and the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging. It summarizes fiscal year 2003 data collected from a survey of 579 seniors housing properties that comprise more than 116,315 independent living units, assisted living units and long-term care beds throughout the United States.

The survey revealed the average length of stay of residents in skilled nursing beds, which were almost all located in continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) for the study was 17 months in 2003. That compares to 22.9 months for residents in assisted living beds and 55.7 months for residents in independent units. Data was for beds located in all types of communities.

This year’s report for the first time includes an analysis of the top 10% for each property type, when sorted by net operating income per occupied unit. This analysis shows CCRCs had the most expenses per total number of units ($31,876) compared to assisted living ($29,253) and independent living ($21,020).