The Future of Senior Living: The Outlook for HCBS in 2026

For senior living communities, 2025 has been a year of transformation — defined by shifting demographics, evolving senior and family expectations, and the need to rethink traditional models of care. 

Providers have had to navigate challenges such as staffing shortages, rising operational costs, strong competition from expanding in-home care alternatives, and ongoing regulatory complexity, particularly around Medicaid. Yet at the same time, demand for personalized, guidance-driven services and support has continued to grow, creating new opportunities for providers to reimagine how they serve today’s seniors.

Looking ahead to 2026, the trajectory is clear: seniors want more holistic, flexible, lifestyle-focused care that adapts to their needs across settings — not just within a campus. Families are prioritizing transparency, care continuity, and affordability. And providers are recognizing that a building-centered model alone no longer meets the realities of an aging population that expects more choice, autonomy, and the option to age in place. 

The operators best positioned for the year ahead will be those who diversify service lines, strengthen community connections, and design care ecosystems that reach beyond their walls.

One strategy that supports this vision and gives communities a strong competitive edge is offering Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS).

In this article, we explore why HCBS is becoming a core strategic pillar for senior living communities, what’s driving rapid adoption in 2026, and how providers can successfully implement this cross-setting, person-centered care in the years ahead.

Why senior living providers are expanding beyond their walls

As aging in place becomes the preferred path for today’s older adults, senior living communities are rethinking what it means to support aging well. Instead of relying solely on a campus-centered housing model, providers are shifting toward broader care ecosystems that serve residents — and the wider community — through personalized, coordinated, and proactive support. 

Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) have become one of the most practical and strategic ways for communities to meet this expanding definition of senior care, with several key drivers accelerating adoption across the sector.

Capital limitations and growth constraints

For most senior living communities, traditional expansion through new construction is no longer a reliable or affordable strategy, due to a mix of policy, pricing, and economic factors. Building additional units requires significant capital investment, and project timelines remain uncertain due to fluctuating materials costs, financing challenges, and market unpredictability. 

Integrating HCBS offers a lower-risk path to expansion and growth, allowing communities to extend their existing services and reach more seniors without taking on major development projects.

Financial sustainability

Diversifying into home- and community-based services is increasingly seen as a smart way to stabilize revenue amid fluctuating occupancy rates, rising operating expenses, and intensifying competition from home care agencies and other in-home programs.

Offering HCBS creates new, flexible income streams that are not tied to unit availability, enabling senior living providers to balance financial pressures while expanding their service footprint.

At the policy level, many states are also prioritizing long-term sustainability through integrated care service delivery and operational redesign — further positioning HCBS as a viable strategy for communities looking to secure financial health in the years ahead.

Building a stronger future resident pipeline

Expanding services into the broader geographical community through HCBS helps strengthen long-term pipeline development. By supporting older adults beyond their campus walls — sometimes years before they consider a move — providers can build early trust and continuity. 

This early engagement with the next generation of senior living residents creates a natural pathway into independent living, assisted living, or specialized memory care when the time comes, helping communities secure a more predictable and sustainable flow of future residents.

Operational efficiency

For many senior living communities, expanding services to include HCBS is an operationally feasible growth strategy, as they already have much of the clinical, wellness, and support infrastructure in place. 

This means launching community-based services can be accomplished without any major new investment. For example, a recent Ziegler study reported that around 85% of HCBS programs already utilize existing nursing staff, allowing communities to extend care beyond campus walls without significant hiring surges, new regulatory burdens, or costly operational overhauls. 

By building on established service lines, HCBS enables senior living communities to expand their reach efficiently while maximizing many of the staff and resources they already have in place.

For senior living communities seeking growth, efficiency, and stronger connections with the seniors they serve, HCBS are an attractive and relatively low-risk option. As a result, providers are increasingly adopting community-based services as a core part of their long-term strategy.

Key market forces driving HCBS momentum in 2026

Recent Ziegler data shows that 61% of Life Plan Communities already offer HCBS, with nearly one-third of the remaining communities planning to add it in the coming years.

In addition to the provider-driven motivations discussed above, market forces are also accelerating HCBS adoption in 2026. Seniors and families are increasingly signaling the type of care they expect, creating a strong pull for services that extend beyond the traditional campus model.

Aging in place remains a priority

Today’s seniors are delaying moves to senior living communities and expressing a strong desire to remain independent in their own homes for as long as possible. 

HCBS allows communities to reach and support this growing segment early, offering engagement and connection long before a campus move becomes necessary.

Personalized, flexible care is a top expectation

Seniors are seeking services that fit their routines, needs, and preferences, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. They want care continuity that travels with them, adapts to their needs over time, and respects their desire for independence and choice.

HCBS align naturally with these expectations by supporting tailored care plans, multi-setting care models, and a lifestyle-forward approach to aging.

Significant growth in ‘solo agers’

The number of older adults aging in place without a traditional support network, such as a spouse or adult children, is creating increased demand for accessible services and social support. 

HCBS programs are well-positioned to meet these needs by providing connection, care coordination, and engagement outside the campus setting.

Coordinated, end-to-end care 

Today’s seniors and families are seeking comprehensive programs that manage and coordinate multiple services to avoid navigating a complex, fragmented healthcare system on their own. 

At the same time, states are investing in HCBS programs like PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly), which are proven to enhance seniors’ quality of life, significantly improve outcomes, and contain costs. 

Families seeking greater support

Many families — especially those juggling work, caregiving, or living at a distance — are looking for support that goes beyond basic in-home care for their loved ones. They value programs that can provide respite, guidance on available resources, help with practical tasks (such as home safety and transportation), and input into care planning. 

HCBS are designed to address the full spectrum of seniors’ needs — including health services, social support, and personal care — bringing peace of mind for families and supporting smoother transitions to senior living when the time comes.

Affordable care options are in high demand

Rising expenses and limited budgets are driving strong demand for senior care options that deliver high-quality support at a more affordable price point. 

HCBS, often funded through state Medicaid programs and special waivers, can provide lower- and middle-income older adults with a viable, more affordable way to access care — helping them maintain independence while stretching their resources further.

Holistic wellness is a growing trend

Seniors increasingly want support that addresses their physical, emotional, and social needs — not just basic daily living assistance. They are looking for programs that align with the seven dimensions of wellness, including social engagement, mental health resources, wellness activities, and preventative interventions. 

HCBS cover a wide range of support options, providing the scalable, adaptable framework needed to meet this expectation and help seniors maintain their independence, overall well-being, and better quality of life — in their own home or within a community setting.

The momentum behind HCBS is being driven not just by provider strategy, but also by clear demand trends that look set to continue throughout 2026. For senior living providers, the question is no longer whether demand exists, but how to effectively build, launch, and manage an HCBS program to meet this evolving standard of care successfully.

How your senior living community can prepare for HCBS delivery in 2026 

Expanding into Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) might feel complex, but with the proper groundwork, your community can deliver high-quality care across settings while maintaining efficiency, compliance, and staff satisfaction. 

Here are five key areas to focus on as you prepare for HCBS delivery in 2026 and beyond:

1. Modernize your technology infrastructure

Before you start offering care beyond your walls, it’s important to make sure your foundation is solid. Begin by reviewing your current processes and systems to identify opportunities to consolidate. 

A unified platform is the ideal solution, as it keeps everything — scheduling, care documentation, communication, billing, payroll, etc. — flowing smoothly rather than being scattered across multiple tools.

Look for an all-in-one solution, like Aaniie Care, that offers:

• Integrated scheduling, billing, payroll, and care documentation for both on-campus and off-campus services.
• Real-time communication tools, including mobile apps for staff in the field to securely access schedules, care plans, and updates on the go.
• Built-in analytics and reporting tools to continually track quality, outcomes, and operational performance.

Investing in the right technology will enable your teams to work seamlessly across campus and community-based settings, reduce admin work, improve coordination, and create a consistent experience for residents/clients, families, and staff.

2. Ensure compliance and risk management

Expanding into HCBS introduces new regulatory considerations, but with proactive planning, compliance can be built into your daily operations. Priorities include:

• Reviewing and updating all processes and policies to ensure your HCBS offerings comply with applicable state and federal laws and licensing requirements. 
• Establishing a comprehensive compliance program that covers documentation, training, audits, and reporting to help navigate the maze and prevent potential violations.
• Monitoring changes in Medicaid, state, and federal guidelines that may impact care delivery to avoid penalties and protect your business reputation.

Compliance isn’t just a requirement — it’s a foundation of trust with clients/residents, families, and community partners, and will ensure your HCBS programs can operate safely, effectively, and sustainably.

3. Train and equip your staff for community-based care delivery

Your caregivers are central to the successful delivery of HCBS. Prepare them for success by:

• Providing training on in-home visits, including safety procedures, documentation, and communication expectations. 
• Equipping them with mobile tools for communication, scheduling, care documentation, and real-time updates. Also, provide training on any new tools you introduce.
• Prioritizing retention strategies, including recognition programs, workload management, compatible matching, and ongoing professional development, to support long-term workforce stability as your client/resident base grows.

Well-trained, well-supported caregivers are essential to delivering reliable, consistent, person-centered care across settings — and guaranteeing long-term client/resident and family satisfaction.

4. Develop strategic partnerships

HCBS work best when they’re part of a connected network. Focus on:

• Strengthening referral relationships with hospitals, clinics, healthcare providers, and payer organizations.
• Partnering with community groups to enhance wellness, social engagement, and preventive services.
• Collaborating with local agencies that can complement your offerings and help streamline care coordination.

Strong partnerships will help you serve seniors more comprehensively and improve outcomes, while extending your community’s reach.

5. Enhance family education and engagement

Expanding into HCBS means your community will not only be supporting residents on campus but also seniors in their homes in the wider community. Keeping families informed and involved is critical, whether it’s helping them understand available care options, guiding them through service decisions, or involving them in care planning.

A family portal is an ideal way to deliver this ongoing education, maintain high engagement, and track satisfaction along the way. Through a secure, centralized platform, families can:

• Access resources and guidance on available HCBS options, as well as view schedules, invoices, and important updates.
• Participate in care planning when appropriate and stay updated on care service decisions.
• Communicate with your care team directly.
• Stay connected and informed across in-home and community-based settings.

By proactively educating and engaging families, your community can foster trust, encourage participation, and ensure that everyone involved feels confident in the services being delivered.

Read our recent blog for more tips and guidance on how your senior living community can set the gold standard for HCBS in 2026.

Expectations for senior living now go far beyond attractive apartments or dining programs. Today’s seniors and their families are looking for longevity, choice, connection, and the ability to live with purpose. As a result, HCBS are no longer a ‘nice-to-have’ — they’re a core strategic advantage for future-ready communities. 

By integrating HCBS thoughtfully, your community can expand its reach, strengthen resident pipelines, and deliver the holistic, flexible care that today’s older adults and their families expect — setting the gold standard for modern senior living in 2026.

Choosing Aaniie Care as your technology partner for 2026 and beyond

As senior living communities expand into in-home and community-based services, they need a technology infrastructure built for transparency, coordination, and efficiency.

Aaniie Care supports the delivery of both on-campus and in-home services — providing seamless PointClickCare integration, streamlined operations, and robust tools for scheduling, documentation, billing, customized care plans, communication, and more.

Designed for operational simplicity and scalability, Aaniie Care empowers senior living communities to deliver high-quality, personalized care without the added admin burden. 

From expanding service lines to improving efficiency, Aaniie Care gives communities a unified platform that can grow with them and keep their teams connected across settings.

Ready to take the next step in preparing your community for HCBS and the future of senior living? Call us or request a demo to learn how Aaniie Care can help you deliver personalized, cross-setting care and scale with confidence in 2026.