New York
New York has lost 24 nursing homes and 3,000 beds since 2020 as demand looms
New York has seen 24 nursing home closures and lost more than 3,000 licensed beds since 2020, and operators are also using fewer of the beds they still have, just as the oldest baby boomers turn 80.
Key facts
- Skilled Nursing News reported on September 21, citing the New York Times, that New York has had 24 nursing home closures since 2020, a loss of more than 3,000 licensed beds.
- Nonprofit operator ArchCare has 269 fewer usable beds than a year and a half ago, a 12% decline, and one of its Bronx facilities went from 120 available beds to 53.
- Nationally, the number of nursing homes fell by more than 900 between 2015 and 2025, according to CMS data.
What happened
Skilled Nursing News reported on September 21, citing the New York Times, that New York has had 24 nursing home closures since 2020, a loss of more than 3,000 licensed beds. Nonprofit operator ArchCare has 269 fewer usable beds than a year and a half ago, a 12% decline, and one of its Bronx facilities went from 120 available beds to 53.
Nationally, the number of nursing homes fell by more than 900 between 2015 and 2025, according to CMS data. A 2024 American Health Care Association report found almost half of nursing homes limiting admissions and 57% keeping waitlists. Harvard researcher David Grabowski said capacity is "heading in the wrong direction" as the oldest baby boomers turn 80 this year.
What it means for families
Fewer usable beds means families may wait longer for a nursing home, or be offered one farther away. It helps to start looking before a crisis, and to know your home care options too.
For example: if a parent's needs are growing, touring two or three homes now, while there is no emergency, gives you a short list instead of taking whatever bed is open on discharge day.
Quick answers
How many nursing homes has New York lost since 2020?
Skilled Nursing News reported on September 21, citing the New York Times, that New York has had 24 nursing home closures since 2020, a loss of more than 3,000 licensed beds. Nonprofit operator ArchCare has 269 fewer usable beds than a year and a half ago, a 12% decline, and one of its Bronx facilities went from 120 available beds to 53.
What to do this week
- Make a short list of nursing homes near you and call to ask if they have a waitlist and how long it is.
- Ask the hospital discharge planner early which homes are accepting admissions.
- Contact NY Connects to learn about home and community care options that could delay or replace a move.
- If a parent is on a waitlist, call every two weeks to confirm their place and ask whether anything has changed.
Sources
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