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.

Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine

An Initial Exploration into Job Satisfaction Among Long-Term Care Administrators and State Tested Nursing Assistants in Ohio

Oct 1, 2024
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This pilot study used 2 surveys to examine 28 licensed nursing home administrators' and 17 state-tested nursing assistants' opinions on job satisfaction, future plans, potential changes, and how to reduce turnover in Ohio. Working with residents and families contributed to satisfaction, but wages were a concern, and many employees face burnout. These factors should be addressed in order to address turnover and staffing shortages in long-term care settings.

An Initial Exploration into Job Satisfaction Among Long-Term Care Administrators and State Tested Nursing Assistants in Ohio

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This pilot study used 2 surveys to examine 28 licensed nursing home administrators’ and 17 state-tested nursing assistants’ opinions on job satisfaction, future plans, potential changes, and how to reduce turnover in Ohio. Working with residents and families contributed to satisfaction, but wages were a concern, and many employees face burnout. These factors should be addressed in order to address turnover and staffing shortages in long-term care settings.

Well-Being Outcomes from the Delivery of RASCALs, a Group Activity Intervention Using Nature-Focused Livestream Broadcasts

Aug 1, 2024
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study pilot tested the effectiveness of RASCALs, a nature-based group activity program, to improve resident well-being in an AL community in Texas. The test group of 16 residents that lived in buildings that received RASCALs programming showed increased positive relations with others as measured by a wellbeing scale as compared to the 17 residents who did not receive programming.

Well-Being Outcomes from the Delivery of RASCALs, a Group Activity Intervention Using Nature-Focused Livestream Broadcasts

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study pilot tested the effectiveness of RASCALs, a nature-based group activity program, to improve resident well-being in an AL community in Texas. The test group of 16 residents that lived in buildings that received RASCALs programming showed increased positive relations with others as measured by a wellbeing scale as compared to the 17 residents who did not receive programming.

Prevalence Rates of Diabetic Retinopathy and Undiagnosed Diabetes Among Delaware Nursing Home and Assisted Living Facility Residents

Jul 1, 2024
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This cross-sectional study examined eye test data from 2005-2009 in 22 facilities in Delaware to find prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes in assisted living and nursing home residents. A total of 3.6% of residents had hemorrhages in at least one eye, and of these residents, only 56.8% had a diabetes diagnosis, which is connected to eye hemorrhages. The results suggest a need for regular eye care for diabetic and non-diabetic residents to prevent adverse outcomes.

Prevalence Rates of Diabetic Retinopathy and Undiagnosed Diabetes Among Delaware Nursing Home and Assisted Living Facility Residents

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This cross-sectional study examined eye test data from 2005-2009 in 22 facilities in Delaware to find prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes in assisted living and nursing home residents. A total of 3.6% of residents had hemorrhages in at least one eye, and of these residents, only 56.8% had a diabetes diagnosis, which is connected to eye hemorrhages. The results suggest a need for regular eye care for diabetic and non-diabetic residents to prevent adverse outcomes.

A Collaborative Approach to Improving Care Outcomes for Residents in Assisted Living

Jan 1, 2024
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: A longitudinal study of 50 residents and 119 care partners in 8 AL communities in Georgia over 2 years examined the concept of a “care convoy” (a dynamic network of formal and informal care partners) for AL residents. This model was supported by formal and informal interviewing, participant observation, and record review. The model is recommended for use by physicians and other healthcare providers to assist them in supporting the needs and goals of the residents and their care convoys, which is theorized to achieve better care outcomes.

A Collaborative Approach to Improving Care Outcomes for Residents in Assisted Living

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: A longitudinal study of 50 residents and 119 care partners in 8 AL communities in Georgia over 2 years examined the concept of a “care convoy” (a dynamic network of formal and informal care partners) for AL residents. This model was supported by formal and informal interviewing, participant observation, and record review. The model is recommended for use by physicians and other healthcare providers to assist them in supporting the needs and goals of the residents and their care convoys, which is theorized to achieve better care outcomes.

Social Support, Social Participation, and Life Accomplishment of Older Adult Residents of Assisted Living Facilities and Their Adjoining Communities

Dec 1, 2023
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: A study of 54 assisted living residents and 66 community-dwelling older adults in Nigeria found assisted living residents had more limited social participation compared to those in the community; however, both groups perceived a similar amount of social support. Assisted living residents also felt that they had lower life accomplishment than community-dwelling participants. Promoting social participation, especially in assisted living, might improve both social wellbeing and self-perception.

Social Support, Social Participation, and Life Accomplishment of Older Adult Residents of Assisted Living Facilities and Their Adjoining Communities

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: A study of 54 assisted living residents and 66 community-dwelling older adults in Nigeria found assisted living residents had more limited social participation compared to those in the community; however, both groups perceived a similar amount of social support. Assisted living residents also felt that they had lower life accomplishment than community-dwelling participants. Promoting social participation, especially in assisted living, might improve both social wellbeing and self-perception.