WASHINGTON – November 04, 2026 -- Seven in 10 families (70%) now use AI assistants such as ChatGPT and Claude when searching for a senior living community, yet 75% say they would not make a final decision without independent validation, according to new U.S. News & World Report research.
The online survey, fielded by an independent third-party platform, reached more than 500 U.S. adults who were actively researching or had recently moved into senior living communities.
Younger relatives drive AI use in the search
Adults ages 18 to 44 adopt AI at the highest rates, and grandchildren are a key force. They use it to research care options, draft inquiries and vet safety records for grandparents. Within this age group, 53% use AI for discovery and side-by-side facility comparisons, 33% use it to draft outreach emails and 32% use it to investigate safety records and complaints.
82% of AI users would book a tour on an AI recommendation
Across all age groups, 82% of AI users would trust an AI recommendation enough to book a tour. That rises to 88% among adults 18 to 44, compared with 61% among adults 65 and older.
Half of experienced users spot wrong AI data
Among respondents with enough experience to judge accuracy, 51% reported encountering incorrect AI-generated data. The top discrepancies were:
- Misstated care levels and amenities (60%)
- Incorrect availability or wait times (44%)
- Outdated pricing (35%)
- Citations of nonexistent communities (21%)
Gut feeling on a tour often seals the decision
Personal interactions with residents and staff carry the most weight in the decision process (40%). And 43% of respondents said a positive “gut feeling” during an on-site tour gave them the confidence to sign a residency agreement.
Families want clear prices and real reviews
More than half of families (52%) say clear pricing and fee structures are a must on a community's website. Another 34% say first-person resident and family reviews are important for validating their decision.
Sumita Singh, executive vice president of Health at U.S. News, said communities should offer third-party independent ratings and online price transparency to serve digitally savvy consumers, alongside onsite staff development and a strong consumer brand.
Families can compare communities using U.S. News' Best Senior Living ratings. The organization also points to its “Levels of Senior Living: A Complete Guide” and “How to Choose the Right Senior Living Facility: A Checklist” for preparing tours.