There was a time when offering attractive amenities and comfortable accommodations in a secure environment was enough. These days, that approach is a far cry from adequate.

Let’s face it: Today’s senior living residents and their families expect more than the basics. They’re looking for compassionate, preventive and personalized care — packaged in a way that reflects their values and promotes well-being without breaking the bank.

That’s why a growing number of operators — and a new national report — are turning to value-based care as not just a good idea, but a necessary evolution.

If the concept of value-based care is new to you, you’re not alone. Many operators are still catching up. Traditionally, healthcare has followed a fee-for-service model — more tests, more procedures, more costs — without necessarily better outcomes. In contrast, value-based care ties payments to the quality and effectiveness of care, rewarding prevention, coordination and long-term results.

This shift is both philosophical and practical. With the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services requiring all Medicare beneficiaries to be in a value-based plan by 2030, the field clearly is moving in this direction. But as a new report from Argentum makes clear, it’s also about meeting the expectations of today’s senior living consumers.

In partnership with Curana Health and Activated Insights, Argentum surveyed 250 residents, family members and direct care workers. The findings were striking: Respondents overwhelmingly prioritized communication, personalization, affordability and continuity — the hallmarks of value-based care.

Affordability stood out as a major concern, with nearly 80% of respondents worried about unexpected costs such as emergency visits or out-of-network bills. Value-based care, with its focus on prevention and chronic condition management, can help reduce costly emergencies and hospitalizations.

Residents also want better communication and engagement. Many expressed a desire for 24/7 access to care, regular wellness checks and help navigating care transitions. They want support before problems arise — not just treatment after.

Technology also plays a key role. Two-thirds of respondents said they want clinicians to use advanced medical tools, and many are interested in remote health monitoring systems that track vital signs in real time.

The survey further revealed strong interest in on-site services such as dental care, mental health support and podiatry. Respondents stressed the importance of care plans that reflect their personal, cultural and spiritual values — a clear call for individualized care.

Taken together, these insights offer a roadmap for senior living operators.

Communities that can deliver on those expectations will be in a stronger position to build trust, drive satisfaction and stay competitive in this rapidly evolving market.

John O’Connor is editorial director for McKnight’s Senior Living and its sister media brands, McKnight’s Long-Term Care News, which focuses on skilled nursing, and McKnight’s Home Care. Read more of his columns here.