Private capital investment needed to improve skilled nursing facilities

A new ATI Advisory analysis commissioned by the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care (NIC) highlights a history of often uncoordinated policy decisions that have resulted in a failure to attract needed capital to modernize skilled nursing facilities. The results — often outdated buildings and low innovation — are substantial barriers to adequately caring for and housing frail, older adults, experts say.

Researchers say federal policymakers should address the root cause of facilities’ inefficiencies: misalignment of the public-private partnerships that attract capital to own skilled nursing facility real estate instead of investing in innovating operations and modernizing facilities.

“When the root cause of a problem is bypassed, only the symptoms are treated,” said Brian Jurutka, NIC’s president and CEO. “Skilled nursing facilities have well-documented challenges that need to be addressed. Solutions start with aligning incentives of o