Most operators are seeing improvements in their skilled nursing occupancy when compared to their pandemic “low point,” according to the latest results of the Ziegler CFO Hotline survey.
Among nearly 270 organizations that participated in the survey, 82% of providers reported seeing some type of improvements in SNF occupancy. Specifically, 17% respondents said they’re seeing significant improvements, while 65% combined said they’re seeing moderate to slight improvements.
Just 18% said they’re not seeing material improvements in SNF occupancy at all.
On the flip side, 25% said they’ve had to permanently reduce their skilled nursing beds within the past two years — though most have taken 25% or less of their beds offline.
When asked if they intend to reduce their number of skilled nursing beds in the next two years, most providers (63%) still said no.
“However, over a third of respondents indicated they expect to make at least incremental reductions in the next two years, including some who plan to exit skilled nursing entirely,” the report noted.
Providers also cited staffing as the biggest concern the SNF industry is facing today. Other concerns include: reimbursement challenges, changes in hospital referral patterns and the increasing acuity of residents.
