Assisted Living Through Research, Policy, and Practice

This book examines how well assisted living communities are fulfilling their original mission of providing both assistance and a supportive living environment. It also explores current and emerging practices and policies that could enhance these communities ability to deliver on the dual promise of care and quality of life. Assisted living communities in the United States have grown increasingly diverse. Given the absence of federal funding and oversight, and the variation in state regulations, an important question is whether these communities are meeting their foundational goal of providing both assistance and supportive living. Recent studies indicate that many may not be fully delivering on these dual objectives.

The book addresses its main objective by: 1) reviewing and synthesizing academic and relevant grey-literature research and information on various aspects of assisted living in the US, and 2) presenting providers and consumers perspectives on each topic.

To address these issues, the book s 10 chapters explore key topics central to the promise of assisted living communities. The authors examine how well these communities meet the needs of residents with dementia, individuals requiring mental and physical health services, and those in need of end-of-life care. They also consider broader concerns related to resident safety and quality of care. In addition, the authors examine how state regulations and workforce challenges influence the care provided in assisted living communities. Each chapter also discusses the implications of current research, policy, and practice, and includes case studies or real-world examples whenever possible.

Through this comprehensive synthesis of current research and diverse sources, as well as original contributions from assisted living providers and consumers, readers will gain an understanding of the latest findings in the field, their policy implications, and the factors to consider when choosing an assisted living community.

Assisted Living Through Research, Policy, and Practice is primarily intended for researchers, policy makers, and operators of assisted living communities. The book may also be used as a textbook in graduate-level courses on long-term care in the US, and in courses taught in health services research programs, schools of public health, programs for long-term care professionals, and healthcare management education.