Why Planning Ahead for Senior Living Matters More Than Ever

For many older adults and their families, senior living is something they expect to think about “someday.” But across the country, that someday is arriving sooner than many people realize.

Senior housing demand is rising quickly, while new development is slowing down. As a result, more people are choosing to plan ahead and secure their place early, long before they feel an immediate need to move.

At Preston Pointe, we believe informed decisions bring peace of mind. Understanding what’s happening nationally can help you make a confident choice locally.

What’s Happening Nationwide

The senior housing landscape is shifting, and the data paints a very clear picture:

• Senior housing occupancy is at record highs.
  In early 2025, occupancy across major U.S. markets reached 87.4%, the highest level ever recorded. That means more than 621,000 senior housing apartments are currently filled, with demand continuing to grow.

• New construction is not keeping pace.
  Only 1,076 new senior housing units began construction in the first quarter of 2025—the lowest number since 2009. Nationwide, about 19,500 units are currently under construction, the smallest pipeline in over a decade.

• A long-term shortage is expected.
  By 2030, experts estimate the U.S. will need more than 564,000 additional senior housing units to meet demand. At the current pace, however, only about 191,000 units are expected to be delivered.

• Baby Boomers and “solo agers” are driving demand.
  Millions of Baby Boomers are entering their 80s, an age when many begin to seek supportive, maintenance-free living. At the same time, a growing number of older adults are aging without a spouse or nearby family caregiver, increasing the need for community-based living options.

Industry experts agree that this supply-and-demand imbalance will not correct itself quickly. In fact, meaningful increases in new development are not expected in the near future.

What This Means for Preston Pointe

While these trends are national, their impact is very real at the local level.

At Preston Pointe, we are seeing more future residents take a proactive approach, choosing to secure their apartment now rather than waiting until options become limited.

Here’s why planning ahead makes sense:

• More choice. Early planning allows you to select the apartment style, layout, and location you prefer.

• Less stress. Having a plan in place removes the pressure of making decisions during a health event or life transition.

• Greater peace of mind. Knowing your future home is reserved brings confidence and security, for both residents and their families.

In a tightening market, waiting can mean fewer options or longer wait times. Planning early keeps you in control.

Why Residents Choose to Plan Ahead

Many of our future residents tell us they placed a community fee early because they wanted:

• Time to move on their own schedule

• Confidence that their preferred apartment would be available

• The comfort of knowing their future is thoughtfully planned

Planning ahead isn’t about rushing; it’s about being prepared.

A Community Designed for Today and Tomorrow

Preston Pointe offers more than just a place to live. Our community is designed to support independence, connection, and peace of mind, with:

• Beautiful, thoughtfully designed apartments

• A welcoming social atmosphere and engaging activities

• On-site amenities that make daily life easier and more enjoyable

• A caring team focused on residents’ comfort and well-being

As demand for senior living continues to grow nationwide, communities like Preston Pointe become even more valuable, not just as housing, but as a lifestyle choice.

Looking Ahead with Confidence

Senior living demand is no longer a future concern, it’s a present reality. With occupancy rising and new construction slowing, planning ahead has never been more important.

If you’ve been thinking about senior living but assumed you had plenty of time, now is the right moment to start the conversation.

We invite you to learn more about Preston Pointe, explore your options, and decide what feels right for you, on your timeline, with clarity and confidence.

📞 Contact us today at 919-804-0183 to speak with a team member or schedule a tour.