Center for Excellence in Assisted Living CEAL@UNC

Advancing the well-being of the people who live and work in assisted living through research, practice, and policy.

Geriatric Nursing

Artificial Intelligence in Assisted Living and Memory Care: Enhancing Care or Increasing Exposure?

May 1, 2025
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This editorial uses data from the CAN Aging Servces Claim Report to examine how artificial intelligence (AI) can alter care, liability, and decision-making in assisted living and memory care settings.

Artificial Intelligence in Assisted Living and Memory Care: Enhancing Care or Increasing Exposure?

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This editorial uses data from the CAN Aging Servces Claim Report to examine how artificial intelligence (AI) can alter care, liability, and decision-making in assisted living and memory care settings.

The Importance of Nature and Wishes for Nature-Based Experiences Among Older Adults in Assisted Living Facilities

May 1, 2025
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This cross-sectional study of 25 assisted living communities in Finland examined 854 residents' views of nature-based interventions. Only 24% of residents could move outdoors independently, and only 51% had the amount of nature exposure they wanted, although 96% consider nature important and 83% stated interest in nature-based interventions. Results indicate developing nature-based interventions could be appealing for older adults.

The Importance of Nature and Wishes for Nature-Based Experiences Among Older Adults in Assisted Living Facilities

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This cross-sectional study of 25 assisted living communities in Finland examined 854 residents’ views of nature-based interventions. Only 24% of residents could move outdoors independently, and only 51% had the amount of nature exposure they wanted, although 96% consider nature important and 83% stated interest in nature-based interventions. Results indicate developing nature-based interventions could be appealing for older adults.

Keeping Assisted Living Communities Secure: A Comprehensive Approach from the Perimeter to the Interior

Mar 1, 2025
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This article highlights the importance of physical and cybersecurity in assisted living using the People, Programs, Training, and Technology (P2T2) system. For the system to be effective, staff training, resident education, and collaboration with law enforcement are integral. Best practices like checklists can be implemented so that physical security, technological solutions, and emergency preparedness can be addressed for quality assurance.

Keeping Assisted Living Communities Secure: A Comprehensive Approach from the Perimeter to the Interior

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This article highlights the importance of physical and cybersecurity in assisted living using the People, Programs, Training, and Technology (P2T2) system. For the system to be effective, staff training, resident education, and collaboration with law enforcement are integral. Best practices like checklists can be implemented so that physical security, technological solutions, and emergency preparedness can be addressed for quality assurance.

Understanding Urinary Incontinence and Urinary Tract Infections as Key Contributors to Falls in Assisted Living and Memory Care Communities

Jan 1, 2025
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This editorial examined how urinary incontinence (UI) and urinary tract infections (UTIs) are contributors to falls for assisted living and memory care residents. Impacts on balance, stability, confusion, and fatigue all contribute to the increased risk. Future falls prevention approaches should consider UI and UTIs, structured toileting, and caregiver training to reduce risk.

Understanding Urinary Incontinence and Urinary Tract Infections as Key Contributors to Falls in Assisted Living and Memory Care Communities

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This editorial examined how urinary incontinence (UI) and urinary tract infections (UTIs) are contributors to falls for assisted living and memory care residents. Impacts on balance, stability, confusion, and fatigue all contribute to the increased risk. Future falls prevention approaches should consider UI and UTIs, structured toileting, and caregiver training to reduce risk.

Know the Resident: Unlocking Value and Positive Outcomes in Assisted Living Nursing

May 1, 2024
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: In this editorial, the authors emphasize that addressing social determinants of health in AL communities is crucial for improving residents' well-being and can be accomplished in part through nurse leadership. It presents a framework to address residents’ social needs, focusing on a proactive and holistic approach to care.

Know the Resident: Unlocking Value and Positive Outcomes in Assisted Living Nursing

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: In this editorial, the authors emphasize that addressing social determinants of health in AL communities is crucial for improving residents’ well-being and can be accomplished in part through nurse leadership. It presents a framework to address residents’ social needs, focusing on a proactive and holistic approach to care.

Effect of Immersive Virtual Reality Reminiscence versus Traditional Reminiscence Therapy on Cognitive Function and Psychological Well-being among Older Adults in Assisted Living Facilities: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Nov 1, 2023
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: A study of 60 assisted living residents observed the effects of virtual reality reminiscence and traditional reminiscence therapy on residents’ cognitive function and psychological wellbeing. Compared to a control group, there was a statistically significant increase in cognition and psychological wellbeing in both the reminiscence groups.

Effect of Immersive Virtual Reality Reminiscence versus Traditional Reminiscence Therapy on Cognitive Function and Psychological Well-being among Older Adults in Assisted Living Facilities: A Randomized Controlled Trial

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: A study of 60 assisted living residents observed the effects of virtual reality reminiscence and traditional reminiscence therapy on residents’ cognitive function and psychological wellbeing. Compared to a control group, there was a statistically significant increase in cognition and psychological wellbeing in both the reminiscence groups.

The Complexity of Providing Behavioral Healthcare in Assisted Living

Oct 1, 2023
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This editorial discussed the difficulty providing mental and behavioral healthcare in assisted living. Increasing numbers of residents experience high rates of behavioral health issues, but only 40% of communities offer treatment for these issues, despite the fact that lack of treatment is associated with negative outcomes such as severe depression and suicidal ideation. To improve behavioral healthcare in assisted living, adequate staffing and staff education is required, as well as insurance reimbursements for mental health services at similar levels to those for medical care.

The Complexity of Providing Behavioral Healthcare in Assisted Living

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This editorial discussed the difficulty providing mental and behavioral healthcare in assisted living. Increasing numbers of residents experience high rates of behavioral health issues, but only 40% of communities offer treatment for these issues, despite the fact that lack of treatment is associated with negative outcomes such as severe depression and suicidal ideation. To improve behavioral healthcare in assisted living, adequate staffing and staff education is required, as well as insurance reimbursements for mental health services at similar levels to those for medical care.

Storage Issues in Assisted Living Facilities and Senior Living Communities

Feb 1, 2022
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: During the COVID-19 pandemic, AL communities faced hurdles obtaining vital supplies including masks and gloves; AL communities were often considered lower priority than other healthcare settings, leading to delays in receipt. When supplies were obtained, the quantity often overwhelmed available storage space, leading to unsafe supply storage. Solutions include improved emergency management, emphasizing proper storage, and optimizing delivery schedules.

Storage Issues in Assisted Living Facilities and Senior Living Communities

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: During the COVID-19 pandemic, AL communities faced hurdles obtaining vital supplies including masks and gloves; AL communities were often considered lower priority than other healthcare settings, leading to delays in receipt. When supplies were obtained, the quantity often overwhelmed available storage space, leading to unsafe supply storage. Solutions include improved emergency management, emphasizing proper storage, and optimizing delivery schedules.