Austin Higgins, Senior Capital Sales Consultant

For senior living operators across the U.S., the end of the year often comes with tough choices. CapEx spend down season can feel like a race against the clock. Budgets don’t roll over, timelines are compressed, and you’re balancing community needs with day-to-day operations.

To help operators navigate these challenges, we asked Austin Higgins, Capital Sales Consultant at Direct Supply, to answer the most common questions about senior living capital projects during spend down. His guidance focuses on practical, customer-centered strategies to maximize budget, improve outcomes, and position communities for long-term success.

My CapEx dollars are sitting unused, and I feel paralyzed by where to start. What should I do first?

You’re not alone. Many operators feel that way when the clock is ticking. The best first step is simply starting the conversation. Even if your project is only in the idea stage, we can help you weigh priorities- whether it’s compliance upgrades, resident safety, or refreshing common areas. Early conversations give us time to align goals and unlock more options for you.

It’s already late in the year. Is it even possible to complete a project before my budget disappears?

Absolutely. Tight timelines are stressful, but they don’t have to mean missed opportunities. We manage fast-turnaround senior living projects every year, often under even tougher deadlines. For example, one operator came to us in mid-December with leftover budget. Within two weeks, we aligned on scope, overnighted fabric samples, finalized selections, and placed their order—all before year-end.

The difference is having the right partner. Because we complete 50,000+ senior living projects annually and maintain deep relationships with key suppliers, we can accelerate timelines and unlock options that might not be available otherwise. Even late in the year, you can make meaningful improvements if you act quickly and lean on that network.

I’m juggling multiple priorities. How do I decide which projects deserve my budget right now?

Start with impact. Projects tied to resident safety or compliance should rise to the top. After that, look at what will deliver the most value, whether that’s operational efficiency, ROI, or a stronger first impression for families touring your community. Sometimes we’ll recommend phasing a project so you can act now without straining your budget or operations. Prioritization ensures your CapEx spend improves outcomes where it matters most.

I’m debating choosing cheaper products just to save time or money. What’s the risk?

The risk is that short-term savings can create long-term headaches. For example, choosing residential-grade furniture because it’s immediately available may seem convenient, but it won’t hold up in a senior living environment. That often means paying for replacements within a year or two, costing more in the end. We help operators choose durable, compliant products built for senior care, so you avoid rework, wasted spend, and disruption for your residents.

Need furniture that will ship quickly? Discover Direct Supply’s quick-ship program, which ships curated furniture in 20 days or less: Perfect for year-end CapEx spend down.

Some of the upgrades I need have long lead times. What if I don’t have that kind of flexibility?

That’s a valid concern. Standard lead times for major systems, like nurse call replacements, have a reputation for stretching six to eight weeks. But because of our strong vendor partnerships, we’ve often delivered emergency installations in as little as a week. It’s always worth asking—we may be able to accelerate timelines or find creative alternatives, so you don’t miss your spend down window.

With so many needs, how do I know I’m making a smart investment?

A smart CapEx investment should deliver value now and in the future. Recently, an operator we work with completed four furniture projects under budget in six weeks. They not only saved money but also moved closer to their annual rebate payout, adding even more financial value. When evaluating projects, consider both the immediate impact on your community and the long-term ROI.

If I call you today, what will the process actually look like?

We’ll start with a quick discovery call to understand your goals, budget, and timing. From there, we’ll confirm availability, secure pricing, and align on next steps. Once approved, we’ll manage procurement, warehousing, shipping, and installation. You’ll have one point of contact and full visibility from start to finish.

Bottom line

CapEx spend down season doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Even if you’re behind, it’s not too late to act. By starting early, prioritizing impact, and choosing solutions designed for senior living, you can stretch your budget further and make improvements that benefit both residents and staff.