Editors' Blog: Targeting Medicaid

The average price per bed for skilled nursing facilities rose slightly in 2009, while the price per bed in assisted living facilities fell, according to the 15th edition of the Senior Care Acquisition Report from Irving Levin Associates Inc.

In 2009, prices increased by 4%, climbing to $47,500 per bed, according to the report. The increase is more likely a sign of market stabilization than of a rebound, according to report editor Stephen M. Monroe. During the economic collapse in 2008, the price per bed in skilled nursing fell roughly 18%.The weak housing market did not have a significant impact on skilled nursing last year, and average capitalization rates in 2009 for skilled nursing facilities remained at 12.8%, according to the report.

Assisted living facilities, however, took a hit from the housing market in 2009, as rates fell 9% to an average price of $113,300 per unit. More information can be found at http://www.levinassociates.com/scardescription.