Occupancy at U.S. skilled nursing facilities continued to hold in a narrow range as it has over the past several months, according to a report by the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care (NIC). Overall skilled nursing occupancy ended fourth quarter 2018 at 82.4 percent, which was virtually unchanged from the third quarter and down 35 basis points from 82.8 percent in fourth quarter 2017. Skilled nursing occupancy has been hovering around 82.5 percent since April 2018.
Fourth quarter skilled nursing occupancy varied by geographic area, with urban areas experiencing an increase in occupancy, while occupancy in rural and urban cluster areas declined from the third quarter. The occupancy rate ended 2018 at 80.4 percent in rural areas and 83.7 percent in urban areas, representing a significant difference of 330 basis points.
Managed Medicare revenue per patient day (RPPD) increased in the fourth quarter, albeit slightly, ending the year at $430. Any eas
