Study after study shows us that our work is far from done. Key metrics, as well as anecdotes, prove that policy is nice, but action, intentional implementation, and consistent oversight and audits matter most. Because, at the end of the day we are dealing with the lives of vulnerable long-term residents. The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care released their 2025 report featuring an extensive survey of residents. Entitled Behind Closed Doors, it explores treatment of patients on a day-to-day basis, shedding light on real issues that impact quality of care across the board. These are the key takeaways from the 2025 resident report.
Overview of the Resident Report
Consumer voice surveyed more than 450 residents, three quarters of whom live in skilled nursing, while the other quarter live in assisted living. The most heart-breaking finding was that most residents do not consider the facility their true home, no matter how wonderful the treatment or broad the activity schedule.
Another overarching finding was that 76% of the residents surveyed were not getting the care they need; one-third said food was not appetizing; and 43% of residents said that they struggled to live on their own terms and adjust to the facility’s schedule.
Finally, as always, it was found that poor staffing levels, feelings of loneliness, and a lack of autonomy dominate resident complaints and are most common in the facilities that do not always meet expectations.
PC: Harli Marten via Unsplash
Key Takeaways from the Resident Report
These numbers are hard to ignore. In a statistical analysis, 5% is counted as statistically significant, so when we see numbers like 35%, 40%, or even just 19%, we can’t help but worry for the state of our long-term care facilities.
50% say their quality of life got worse after moving into their facilities.
32% say they are only sometimes, rarely, or never treated with dignity or respect in their facilities.
19% say their opinions and preferences about their daily care and routines are rarely or never considered.
Only 24% say they always get the care they need in their facilities when they need it.
40% do not have a family caregiver.
36% report there is rarely or never enough staff in their facilities to meet their
needs in a reasonable amount of time.
These are large numbers representing thousands of residents across the United States. This is unacceptable. While policy can address this issue to some extent, more immediate community action and facility accountability is going to institute the best change.
“Half of the people who responded to our survey report that their lives got worse after moving into their facilities. They cite reasons that include serious weight loss due to inedible food; poor care due to lack of staff; unresolved negative changes that happened during COVID-19; and a lack of consideration for their disabilities.”
But there were some positives, too:
97% who have visitors can see their visitors when they want to see them.
52% of respondents are able to participate in religious services of their choice.
50% report that they have access to technology when they want to use it with 58% reporting that they use technology daily.
There were positive comments from residents praising their facility, saying “My facility has a top-notch staff team that strives to maintain our care and dignity.”
So there is hope. Just over a quarter of respondents said they “always feel treated with dignity by staff.” This is a fantastic stat since the move, the change in schedule, the loss of autonomy due to age and illness, and other factors heavily play into the frequency of depression and anxiety among residents.
“Residents responding to our survey told us they are not always given choice in their care, that staff are too busy to notice them, and that, at times, they are treated like they are dumb or too stupid to understand. Several residents said that while their Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) try and treat them better than facility leadership, they are often overworked and tired.”
Conclusion
It is hard to pinpoint exactly what needs to change to take only 24% of residents get the care they need to 100% of residents have all their needs met. But these surveys help keep us focused on what matters most: the people. Residents aren’t numbers, they’re people who deserve every dignity, every care, and every joy as they age.
The full report is eye-opening and inspires us to keep fighting for the most vulnerable among us and their families. We encourage you all to speak to your representatives and visit and volunteer where you can.
Learn more about problems currently facing nursing homes.
If you or a loved one have been the victim of nursing home neglect or abuse, call Gharibian Law (866-747-1389) for a FREE consultation and the best legal representation.
Key Takeaways from the 2025 Resident Report
Study after study shows us that our work is far from done. Key metrics, as well as anecdotes, prove that policy is nice, but action, intentional implementation, and consistent oversight and audits matter most. Because, at the end of the day we are dealing with the lives of vulnerable long-term residents. The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care released their 2025 report featuring an extensive survey of residents. Entitled Behind Closed Doors, it explores treatment of patients on a day-to-day basis, shedding light on real issues that impact quality of care across the board. These are the key takeaways from the 2025 resident report.
Overview of the Resident Report
Consumer voice surveyed more than 450 residents, three quarters of whom live in skilled nursing, while the other quarter live in assisted living. The most heart-breaking finding was that most residents do not consider the facility their true home, no matter how wonderful the treatment or broad the activity schedule.
Another overarching finding was that 76% of the residents surveyed were not getting the care they need; one-third said food was not appetizing; and 43% of residents said that they struggled to live on their own terms and adjust to the facility’s schedule.
Finally, as always, it was found that poor staffing levels, feelings of loneliness, and a lack of autonomy dominate resident complaints and are most common in the facilities that do not always meet expectations.
Key Takeaways from the Resident Report
These numbers are hard to ignore. In a statistical analysis, 5% is counted as statistically significant, so when we see numbers like 35%, 40%, or even just 19%, we can’t help but worry for the state of our long-term care facilities.
Directly from the report:
These are large numbers representing thousands of residents across the United States. This is unacceptable. While policy can address this issue to some extent, more immediate community action and facility accountability is going to institute the best change.
But there were some positives, too:
So there is hope. Just over a quarter of respondents said they “always feel treated with dignity by staff.” This is a fantastic stat since the move, the change in schedule, the loss of autonomy due to age and illness, and other factors heavily play into the frequency of depression and anxiety among residents.
Conclusion
It is hard to pinpoint exactly what needs to change to take only 24% of residents get the care they need to 100% of residents have all their needs met. But these surveys help keep us focused on what matters most: the people. Residents aren’t numbers, they’re people who deserve every dignity, every care, and every joy as they age.
The full report is eye-opening and inspires us to keep fighting for the most vulnerable among us and their families. We encourage you all to speak to your representatives and visit and volunteer where you can.
Learn more about problems currently facing nursing homes.
Specialized High-Acuity Care Neglect in Nursing Homes
In the News: Minimum Staffing Rule Rescinded
If you or a loved one have been the victim of nursing home neglect or abuse, call Gharibian Law (866-747-1389) for a FREE consultation and the best legal representation.