Prices for assisted living communities grew 45% in 2011, to $156,900 per unit, according to a new report.

Senior living industry analysts were encouraged by the results of the report, which showed that even amidst a lingering recession, investors were willing to pay more for high-quality assisted living communities, according to a report published by the research firm Irving Levin Associates, Inc. The firm tracks merger and acquisition activity in the senior housing market.

The picture on the skilled nursing wasn’t quite as rosy. The average per-bed price in skilled nursing facilities tumbled 18% in 2011 to $51,100. Analysts partially attribute the plunge to the Medicare reimbursement cuts that took effect Oct. 1, 2011.  

To learn more about finding capital in the senior housing market in 2012, tune in to the McKnight’s Sixth Annual Online Expo on March 21, at 11:30 a.m. Eastern. Michael Hargrave, vice president of NIC, Market Area Profiles (NIC MAP), will help you learn about what kind of financing options are available for the year ahead. Click here to register for the online expo or for more information about the virtual tradeshow.