Why Healthcare Partnerships Are the Future of Assisted Living

The concept of assisted living communities partnering closely with healthcare organizations is gaining momentum nationwide, according to new research by LeadingAge and National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care (NIC). These evolving healthcare partnerships and collaborations are beginning to reshape how support and care are delivered, bringing clinical insight into community life, improving communication between providers and making transitions smoother for residents and families.

“Today’s emerging collaborative models point to a future that goes beyond traditional care coordination,” says David Schless, President & CEO of ASHA. “Integrating staffing, technology and shared operational goals has the potential to really enhance outcomes for residents while improving efficiency and reducing unnecessary costs to the healthcare system and to consumers alike.”

This shift represents a new chapter for the future of assisted living—one where communities no longer operate in isolation, but as part of a connected network of support. This article highlights emerging trends, including shared care planning, integrated clinical staffing and real-time data coordination, to illustrate how collaborative approaches can strengthen safety, reduce costs and better support residents’ overall well-being.

Integrated Staffing and Shared Care for Better Outcomes

A recent McKnight’s Senior Living YouTube session, Strengthening Senior Living Care: Trusted Partnerships and Staffing, highlighted how thoughtful collaboration can improve the care older adults receive—especially in assisted living. Panelists shared that strong healthcare partnerships with medical providers, health professionals and even technology companies are becoming essential to better meet the needs of residents.

They also described how integrated staffing models, where onsite clinicians, agency nurses, and community staff work together as one, unified team, help create smoother routines for residents, reduce care gaps and boost overall team morale. When full-time staff and clinical partners coordinate care, share information and use data to guide decisions, residents experience more consistent support, easier transitions and a greater sense of well-being.

At the 2025 Argentum Senior Living Executive Conference, presenters reinforced that coordinated care models are gaining traction because they improve care transitions, lower healthcare utilization and enhance overall resident support. They shared examples illustrating how better integration with the healthcare system—supported by strong data collection and communication—can significantly reduce unnecessary hospitalizations and readmissions, while offering more sustainable, high-quality care.

Looking ahead, stronger communication and deeper clinical involvement have the potential to help residents stay in their communities longer, supporting a goal most seniors and families share: aging in place safely and comfortably.

Data-Driven Coordination

McKnight’s recent reporting highlights how senior assisted living communities are leveraging health records, predictive analytics and real-time data-sharing tools, such as platforms from PointClickCare, to proactively manage resident outcomes. These systems allow teams to identify risks earlier, coordinate care more efficiently and streamline interventions. In many assisted living communities, this data-driven approach has contributed to measurable reductions in hospital readmissions and improvements in overall resident experience.

LeadingAge reinforces this perspective, emphasizing that high-quality data, cross-team communication, and coordinated staffing are essential to sustaining coordinated care or value-based models. For residents, this means earlier interventions, fewer disruptions and a more seamless care experience.

Broader industry research echoes these priorities, noting that operators are increasingly looking for smoother information-sharing and stronger alignment with healthcare partners.

Together, these elements create a more responsive, accountable and person-centered approach to resident support.

Technology and Resident Engagement

Recent research from Argentum, developed in partnership with Curana Health and Activated Insights, offers a look at what residents, families and caregivers truly value in their healthcare and senior living experience. These findings underscore why technology is becoming an essential component of

high-quality assisted living.

One of the most notable insights challenges long-held assumptions about older adults and technology. Far from resisting innovation, today’s seniors are willing—and often eager—to use tools that enhance their health, communication and independence. According to the report, 68% of residents say that using medical technologies such as patient portals, remote-monitoring devices and secure communication tools is very or somewhat important to their care experience.

For assisted living communities, this willingness translates into meaningful opportunities. These technologies do more than add convenience. They help teams monitor changes in condition, flag risks earlier and coordinate interventions more efficiently. When integrated into a coordinated care approach, these tools support real-time health tracking, early risk identification and faster clinical

decision-making—ultimately reducing avoidable hospitalizations and strengthening continuity of care.

Just as importantly, they strengthen residents’ ability to age in place, while giving families reassurance that their loved ones are being closely supported and monitored.

Holistic Resident Support

Senior living leaders continue to emphasize that strong healthcare partnerships make a more holistic approach to assisted living possible—one that supports not only medical needs, but also social, emotional and cognitive well-being. As coordinated care models evolve, they allow communities to personalize care plans, respond more flexibly to changing needs and promote greater independence. The

result: stronger outcomes, greater resident satisfaction and a solid foundation for successful aging in assisted living communities.

A Look Ahead …

Healthcare partnerships are only the beginning. As assisted living communities strengthen their ties with hospitals, physician groups, clinical partners and technology companies, they are also opening the door to broader collaboration with community organizations that enhance engagement, connection and preventive support. These emerging models signal a future in which coordinated care, shared data and deeper cross-sector cooperation create a more holistic, cost-effective, and resident-centered experience.

“ASHA and WYLM continue to emphasize that the future of assisted living depends on strong partnerships—within our industry and across healthcare, policy and community organizations,” says Schless. “By working together, we can build more resilient, responsive solutions that benefit both residents, their families and the broader healthcare system.”

Collaborative partnerships will continue to redefine what high-quality assisted living looks like—strengthening care, expanding support and ensuring residents can thrive in the communities they call home.

Find Community

If you’re exploring options for yourself or someone you love, remember that where you live truly matters. The right community doesn’t just offer support—it also connects you to coordinated care, engagement and wellness-focused partnerships. Use our community locator tool to find a community that helps you live your healthiest, happiest life.

Where You Live Matters is powered by the American Seniors Housing Association (ASHA), a respected voice in the senior housing industry. ASHA primarily focuses on legislative and regulatory advocacy, research, and educational opportunities and networking for senior living executives, so they can better understand the needs of older adults across the country.

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