July 7, 2025
As people are living longer than ever and the Baby Boom generation has come into retirement, demand for senior housing far outweighs supply.
The Age Wave
In fact, in just five years from now, the “age wave” of people 80+ years of age is projected to grow by nearly 40 percent, outpacing every other age group. The gap between available housing and older adults is widening exponentially.
Consider this from the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing and Care:
- There is currently a need for over 200,000 additional senior housing units.
- 500,000 more units will be needed by 2028, and 775,000 more will be needed by 2030.
- Only 40% of a $400 billion investment to ensure adequate housing by 2030 is on pace to be fulfilled.
- By 2040, the current investment pace for senior housing will barely exceed one quarter of the required investment need.
This rapid surge of older adults in search of housing puts pressure not only on senior living planners and developers to meet the burgeoning need, but also on those considering a move to senior living at some point.
With wait times for quality senior communities up to several years in some cases, prospective residents cannot afford to delay until the “time is right” or, more urgently, until a health event necessitates a move from one’s home.
The Time is Now
Simply put, the time to reserve a spot for senior living is sooner rather than later, particularly if one is healthy enough to live without assistance. This reasoning may seem counterintuitive, but many communities, Lathrop included, require that residents are able to “walk in,” meaning that they can live safely and independently on their own.
What’s more, the sooner your name is on a waiting list – or several – the better your chances of moving while you’re still healthy and able to enjoy all that today’s reputable communities have to offer.
Wait time also allows you to do your homework carefully, exploring multiple options to meet your needs and desires while you still have the luxury to do so. Often, a move to senior living is the result of an emergency, when decisions must be made quickly, and choices are severely limited.
What to Do Before You Get on a Waitlist
Determining which type of senior community will best fit your needs (continuing care, assisted living, memory care, independent living) is tricky, as we can’t predict the future. However, before you settle on a community’s waitlist, there are actions you can take to help you determine the best choice(s) for you:
- Research, research, research. Scour community websites, reviews, news and social media.
- Ask friends and family who are living in senior communities for their opinions and insights.
- Envision various scenarios for an educated guess on which options will meet your needs now and in the future.
- Consider such factors as geographical area, nearness to family, floor plans, programs and amenities, pet and visitor friendliness, care services, medical staff, etc.
- Request an in-person tour of communities you’re interested in and be sure to note the “vibe” you sense when you’re there. Are staff and residents friendly, happy, welcoming? Bring friends and family with you to get their impressions as well.
- Ask as many questions as you can about the community, its accommodations, services and amenities, contract types, fees, waiting list policies (including deposits and refunds), community and corporate values.
What to Do After You Get on a Waitlist
- Congratulate yourself on homework well spent. Just securing a reservation is a major step!
- Begin the process of organizing your home. Determine what you will and won’t take with you when it’s time to move. Consider the upsides of downsizing and adopt a mindset of letting go of stuff you can throw or give away.
- Take advantage of any perks the community you’re waiting for provides. Some will allow prospective residents to use their facilities, enjoy a meal, receive newsletters, etc.
- Relax and enjoy the assurance that you’re on a list; anticipate the excitement of a whole new life waiting for you!
Waiting for Lathrop
Lathrop’s Northampton and Easthampton campuses are for independent adults who need no assistance with daily living. Enhanced Living at The Inn provides daily support from a team of caring professionals.
Our Reservation List requires a $2,000 deposit upon which prospective residents are given a number that will never change, regardless of whether they accept an opening or not. If they choose to live elsewhere, their deposit is refunded without delay.
When a unit becomes available, everyone on the list is given notice, and a tour of the available residence is given to the interested party with the lowest number.
Get on Our List Today!