Quality of Life in Assisted Living Facilities: Viewpoints of Residents

TLDR

Assisted living facilities are nonmedical, residential settings that provide housing, food service, personal services, and watchful oversight to frail elders and other persons with physical and mental disabilities. This study investigates residents' views of quality of life in assisted living facilities, using interview data from 55 residents across 17 facilities in three Georgia counties. The authors conducted interviews with 55 residents in 17 assisted‑living facilities to identify quality domains, including care quality, independence, autonomy, social relationships, and meaningful activities. They identified 14 quality domains and found that individualized care and a good fit between residents' needs and facility capabilities were key to quality of life.

Abstract

Assisted living facilities are nonmedical, residential settings that provide housing, food service, personal services, and watchful oversight to frail elders and other persons with physical and mental disabilities. This study presents results of research on residents' views of quality of life and is based on data from interviews with 55 residents in 17 assisted living facilities in three suburban counties in Georgia. The authors identified 14 domains of quality based on the combined values expressed by residents in interview data. Domains included aspects specifically related to quality of care as well as components of the broader concept, quality of life, such as independence and autonomy, social relationships, and meaningful ways to spend time. A key to quality was an individualized approach to care and goodness of fit between a person's unique needs and the ability of a facility to meet them.