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.

Innovation in Aging

The Relationship Between Home and Community-Based Services Utilization and Self-Reported Quality of Life for Community-Dwelling and Assisted Living Residents with and without Dementia

Oct 1, 2025
This study of 1413 respondents from the 2018 Minnesota National Core Indicators-Aging and Disability survey examined the relationship between specific home and community-based services and quality of life. On average, respondents with dementia reported lower quality of life scores than respondents without dementia. Using personal care assistants was most significantly correlated with increased quality of life, while services such as home health care and adult day services were not significantly associated with quality of life.

The Relationship Between Home and Community-Based Services Utilization and Self-Reported Quality of Life for Community-Dwelling and Assisted Living Residents with and without Dementia

by Lea Efird-Green

This study of 1413 respondents from the 2018 Minnesota National Core Indicators-Aging and Disability survey examined the relationship between specific home and community-based services and quality of life. On average, respondents with dementia reported lower quality of life scores than respondents without dementia. Using personal care assistants was most significantly correlated with increased quality of life, while services such as home health care and adult day services were not significantly associated with quality of life.

Examining Care Network Characteristics in Older Adults’ Relocation to Residential Care Settings

Sep 1, 2024
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study used data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study to examine risk associated with older adults transitioning to residential care, specifically their care networks (involvement of multiple helpers). A total of 7,085 initially community-dwelling older adults were followed over 8 years, and the greatest risk for transitioning was having a care network with shared medical tasks, followed by sharing household tasks. Shared mobility, transportation, or self-care responsibilities decreased the risk. Having a close family member as a primary caregiver could act as a protective factor that decreases risk of transitioning into residential care.

Examining Care Network Characteristics in Older Adults’ Relocation to Residential Care Settings

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study used data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study to examine risk associated with older adults transitioning to residential care, specifically their care networks (involvement of multiple helpers). A total of 7,085 initially community-dwelling older adults were followed over 8 years, and the greatest risk for transitioning was having a care network with shared medical tasks, followed by sharing household tasks. Shared mobility, transportation, or self-care responsibilities decreased the risk. Having a close family member as a primary caregiver could act as a protective factor that decreases risk of transitioning into residential care.

Beyond the Medication Pass: Attitudes, Ethics, Agency, and Antipsychotic Medications in Assisted Living/Residential Care

Aug 1, 2022
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This qualitative study based on 11 interviews with various professionals in Oregon, including direct care staff, nurses, administrators, and consultant pharmacists, found factors influencing antipsychotic prescribing decision-making: the rationale behind prescribing, moral viewpoints on psychotropic medications, and the challenge of balancing community and individual resident needs with external regulations.

Beyond the Medication Pass: Attitudes, Ethics, Agency, and Antipsychotic Medications in Assisted Living/Residential Care

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This qualitative study based on 11 interviews with various professionals in Oregon, including direct care staff, nurses, administrators, and consultant pharmacists, found factors influencing antipsychotic prescribing decision-making: the rationale behind prescribing, moral viewpoints on psychotropic medications, and the challenge of balancing community and individual resident needs with external regulations.