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.

Journal of the American Medical Directors Association

End-of-Life Outcomes and Staff Visits for Hospice Recipients Residing in Assisted Living

Dec 1, 2025
This study used 2018 to 2019 Medicare claims data from over 42,000 AL residents to examine whether hospice staff visits were associated with end-of-life transitions, place of death, and discharges, and whether state AL regulations influence these outcomes. More frequent visits were associated with less end-of-life transitions, discharges, and increased likelihood of dying in place. Regulations requiring on-site staffing and medication delegation were also associated with fewer transitions and increased dying in place, highlighting the role that both organizational and regulatory policies in shaping end-of-life outcomes.

End-of-Life Outcomes and Staff Visits for Hospice Recipients Residing in Assisted Living

by Lea Efird-Green

This study used 2018 to 2019 Medicare claims data from over 42,000 AL residents to examine whether hospice staff visits were associated with end-of-life transitions, place of death, and discharges, and whether state AL regulations influence these outcomes. More frequent visits were associated with less end-of-life transitions, discharges, and increased likelihood of dying in place. Regulations requiring on-site staffing and medication delegation were also associated with fewer transitions and increased dying in place, highlighting the role that both organizational and regulatory policies in shaping end-of-life outcomes.

Exploring Safety Concerns in Assisted Living Communities: A Qualitative Comparison of Resident, Family, and Staff Perspectives

Dec 1, 2025
This qualitative study examined safety concerns from 32 residents, 34 family caregivers, and 38 staff members of AL communities across the US. Overall, 29 safety concerns emerged, with resident condition-related falls as the most commonly cited concern. Residents and family members were more likely than staff to report prompt use of assistive devices/technology, communication, and self-care as concerns, whereas staff were more likely to report environmental-related falls as a concern.

Exploring Safety Concerns in Assisted Living Communities: A Qualitative Comparison of Resident, Family, and Staff Perspectives

by Lea Efird-Green

This qualitative study examined safety concerns from 32 residents, 34 family caregivers, and 38 staff members of AL communities across the US. Overall, 29 safety concerns emerged, with resident condition-related falls as the most commonly cited concern. Residents and family members were more likely than staff to report prompt use of assistive devices/technology, communication, and self-care as concerns, whereas staff were more likely to report environmental-related falls as a concern.

Vaccination Rates Among Long-Term Care Staff During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Dec 1, 2025
This study of nursing homes and AL communities (ALCs) in Florida compared over 5,200 staff's 2-dose COVID-19 vaccination rate by February 2021 to understand the differences between settings and organizational factors influencing vaccination rates. ALCs initially had lower rates, but by the end of the study period, rates had increased, especially smaller communities. Factors such as for-profit status and rural location were significant predictors of vaccine reception, with smaller, urban ALCs that accepted state funding having higher rates.

Vaccination Rates Among Long-Term Care Staff During the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Lea Efird-Green

This study of nursing homes and AL communities (ALCs) in Florida compared over 5,200 staff’s 2-dose COVID-19 vaccination rate by February 2021 to understand the differences between settings and organizational factors influencing vaccination rates. ALCs initially had lower rates, but by the end of the study period, rates had increased, especially smaller communities. Factors such as for-profit status and rural location were significant predictors of vaccine reception, with smaller, urban ALCs that accepted state funding having higher rates.

Trends in Assisted Living and Memory Care Supply from 2019 to 2023

Dec 1, 2025
This study examined geographic variation in AL and memory care, and their correlation with county-level characteristics from 2019-2023. In 2023, counties with more AL and memory care were generally wealthier, higher in educational attainment, and urban. During the study period, 43% of counties had a decrease of AL supply ae, which was associated with a higher proportion of older adults in the population, lower income, and increased rurality as compared to those with an increase in supply. In the same period, 29% of counties had a decrease in memory care supply, which was associated with lower educational attainment, more poverty, and increased rurality than the 34% that had an increase in memory care supply. Overall, rural and poorer counties had less access to AL and memory care, showing the importance of increasing access to services in these counties.

Trends in Assisted Living and Memory Care Supply from 2019 to 2023

by Lea Efird-Green

This study examined geographic variation in AL and memory care, and their correlation with county-level characteristics from 2019-2023. In 2023, counties with more AL and memory care were generally wealthier, higher in educational attainment, and urban. During the study period, 43% of counties had a decrease of AL supply ae, which was associated with a higher proportion of older adults in the population, lower income, and increased rurality as compared to those with an increase in supply. In the same period, 29% of counties had a decrease in memory care supply, which was associated with lower educational attainment, more poverty, and increased rurality than the 34% that had an increase in memory care supply. Overall, rural and poorer counties had less access to AL and memory care, showing the importance of increasing access to services in these counties.

Disproportionate Impact of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Among Older Adults in Long-Term Care Settings

Sep 1, 2025
This examined data from the the 2022 to 2024 respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) seasons in one county in New York to compare disease burden, hospitalization, and in-hospital deaths between older adults living in community and long-term care (LTC) settings. Overall, infection rates were highest in nursing homes; hospitalization rates were highest in AL communities; and in-hospital death rates were significantly higher in LTC settings than in community-dwelling older adults. Findings highlight older adults in LTC settings are disproportionately affected by RSV, showing the need for targeted RSV prevention strategies which could include vaccinations and improved detection.

Disproportionate Impact of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Among Older Adults in Long-Term Care Settings

by Lea Efird-Green

This examined data from the the 2022 to 2024 respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) seasons in one county in New York to compare disease burden, hospitalization, and in-hospital deaths between older adults living in community and long-term care (LTC) settings. Overall, infection rates were highest in nursing homes; hospitalization rates were highest in AL communities; and in-hospital death rates were significantly higher in LTC settings than in community-dwelling older adults. Findings highlight older adults in LTC settings are disproportionately affected by RSV, showing the need for targeted RSV prevention strategies which could include vaccinations and improved detection.

Developing and Implementing an Intervention to Increase Immunization Coverage Among Frontline Long-Term Care Staff

Sep 1, 2025
This study examined the attitudes of 200 post-acute and long-term care (PALTC) staff towards immunization, job-related education, and training. This feedback led to the development of a 45-minute training related to vaccines, which included information on the benefits and risks of immunizations for both residents and staff with a focus on objective, reliable information and staff autonomy.

Developing and Implementing an Intervention to Increase Immunization Coverage Among Frontline Long-Term Care Staff

by Lea Efird-Green

This study examined the attitudes of 200 post-acute and long-term care (PALTC) staff towards immunization, job-related education, and training. This feedback led to the development of a 45-minute training related to vaccines, which included information on the benefits and risks of immunizations for both residents and staff with a focus on objective, reliable information and staff autonomy.

Happy by Nature: Nature Connection as a Source of Psychological Well-Being in Assisted Living Facilities

Sep 1, 2025
This study of over 850 residents in 25 Finnish AL communities examined whether connection with nature is associated with psychological well-being and mobility. A higher nature connection score was associated with higher psychological well-being, especially for residents with poor mobility. Other findings revealed residents experience nature in different ways, and that customized access to the outdoors is a framework for the development of nature-based interventions.

Happy by Nature: Nature Connection as a Source of Psychological Well-Being in Assisted Living Facilities

by Lea Efird-Green

This study of over 850 residents in 25 Finnish AL communities examined whether connection with nature is associated with psychological well-being and mobility. A higher nature connection score was associated with higher psychological well-being, especially for residents with poor mobility. Other findings revealed residents experience nature in different ways, and that customized access to the outdoors is a framework for the development of nature-based interventions.

Mouth Care Without a Battle: Change in Assisted Living Staff Self-Efficacy and Attitudes

Sep 1, 2025
This study evaluated 24 AL communities to see if the modified Mouth Care Without a Battle (MCWB) for AL improved efficacy and attitudes of staff providing mouth care. AL staff's ratings of self-efficacy and attitudes did not significantly change after MCWB training, which differs from nursing home staff in another study. This may indicate AL staff do not view mouth care as high-priority, highlighting the need to emphasize it in training and supervision.

Mouth Care Without a Battle: Change in Assisted Living Staff Self-Efficacy and Attitudes

by Lea Efird-Green

This study evaluated 24 AL communities to see if the modified Mouth Care Without a Battle (MCWB) for AL improved efficacy and attitudes of staff providing mouth care. AL staff’s ratings of self-efficacy and attitudes did not significantly change after MCWB training, which differs from nursing home staff in another study. This may indicate AL staff do not view mouth care as high-priority, highlighting the need to emphasize it in training and supervision.

Staff Satisfaction and Burnout in Assisted Living and Validity of the DCW Job Satisfaction Scale

Sep 1, 2025
This study examined the relationships between AL community and staff characteristics and staff satisfaction/burnout, as well as psychometrically assessing the Direct Care Worker Staff Satisfaction Scale. Satisfaction was. On average, staff were "satisfied" (a three on a scale of four) and 18.5% of staff were experiencing symptoms of burnout. When satisfaction was higher, burnout was lower (negatively correlated), and there were significant associations between satisfaction and organizational characteristics, such as staff to resident ratios.

Staff Satisfaction and Burnout in Assisted Living and Validity of the DCW Job Satisfaction Scale

by Lea Efird-Green

This study examined the relationships between AL community and staff characteristics and staff satisfaction/burnout, as well as psychometrically assessing the Direct Care Worker Staff Satisfaction Scale. Satisfaction was. On average, staff were “satisfied” (a three on a scale of four) and 18.5% of staff were experiencing symptoms of burnout. When satisfaction was higher, burnout was lower (negatively correlated), and there were significant associations between satisfaction and organizational characteristics, such as staff to resident ratios.

From Nursing Homes to Home Care: Examining the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Direct Care Worker Transitions

Jun 1, 2025
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study examined over 8,000 direct care workers employed in residential or long-term care (LTC) communities from 2016-2018 and from 2020-2022 to examine workers' exits from LTC settings and if hazard pay mediated the impact of the pandemic. Worker exits were highest in 2020, but in 2021-2022, worker exits decreased relative to prepandemic numbers, and if workers did switch jobs, they were more likely to remain in healthcare relative to prepandemic. Hazard pay or other wage support policies did not have an effect on worker decisions to exit LTC during or after the pandemic.

From Nursing Homes to Home Care: Examining the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Direct Care Worker Transitions

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study examined over 8,000 direct care workers employed in residential or long-term care (LTC) communities from 2016-2018 and from 2020-2022 to examine workers’ exits from LTC settings and if hazard pay mediated the impact of the pandemic. Worker exits were highest in 2020, but in 2021-2022, worker exits decreased relative to prepandemic numbers, and if workers did switch jobs, they were more likely to remain in healthcare relative to prepandemic. Hazard pay or other wage support policies did not have an effect on worker decisions to exit LTC during or after the pandemic.

Urinary Incontinence Is an Independent Risk Factor for Nursing Home Placement among Assisted Living Residents

Apr 1, 2025
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This retrospective cohort study used 2019-2021 Medicare data to evaluate if urinary incontinence (UI) is an independent risk factor for assisted living residents' nursing home (NH) placement. Out of 247,010 residents, 20.5% had UI, and out of the 15.7% that were placed in NH, 21.7% had UI. The study confirmed that UI is an independent risk factor associated with NH placement, indicating education and early identification/treatment of UI will be helpful for avoiding/delaying NH placement.

Urinary Incontinence Is an Independent Risk Factor for Nursing Home Placement among Assisted Living Residents

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This retrospective cohort study used 2019-2021 Medicare data to evaluate if urinary incontinence (UI) is an independent risk factor for assisted living residents’ nursing home (NH) placement. Out of 247,010 residents, 20.5% had UI, and out of the 15.7% that were placed in NH, 21.7% had UI. The study confirmed that UI is an independent risk factor associated with NH placement, indicating education and early identification/treatment of UI will be helpful for avoiding/delaying NH placement.

Trends in the Use of Medicare Home Health Care among Congregate Living Residents

Apr 1, 2025
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This cohort study examined trends in home health care (HHC) of nearly 10 million Medicare patients across congregate and non-congregate care settings between 2014-2019. Of all HHC episodes, 15.9% happened in congregate care, and traditional Medicare beneficiaries in congregate care used HHC more frequently and were more likely to use high-quality agencies than those in other settings. However, dual-eligible and minoritized populations were less likely to receive high quality HHC services.

Trends in the Use of Medicare Home Health Care among Congregate Living Residents

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This cohort study examined trends in home health care (HHC) of nearly 10 million Medicare patients across congregate and non-congregate care settings between 2014-2019. Of all HHC episodes, 15.9% happened in congregate care, and traditional Medicare beneficiaries in congregate care used HHC more frequently and were more likely to use high-quality agencies than those in other settings. However, dual-eligible and minoritized populations were less likely to receive high quality HHC services.

The Impact of Enhanced Group Activity Kits (EGAKs) on Well-being of Persons with Dementia

Jan 1, 2025
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study examined 123 people living with dementia (PLwD) from 6 nursing centers and 4 adult day units in Israel to investigate the impact of group activities and whether group activity kits (EGAKs) enhanced activity quality. Use of EGAKs significantly improved resident well-being compared to activities without EGAKs, and participating in no activities at all significantly lowered well-being, supporting possible implementation of EGAKs to improve group activities for residents.

The Impact of Enhanced Group Activity Kits (EGAKs) on Well-being of Persons with Dementia

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study examined 123 people living with dementia (PLwD) from 6 nursing centers and 4 adult day units in Israel to investigate the impact of group activities and whether group activity kits (EGAKs) enhanced activity quality. Use of EGAKs significantly improved resident well-being compared to activities without EGAKs, and participating in no activities at all significantly lowered well-being, supporting possible implementation of EGAKs to improve group activities for residents.

Assisted Living, Residential Care, and Memory Care Staffing Level Dynamics: Oregon, 2017-2023

Jan 1, 2025
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This longitudinal study examined staffing levels, as measured by care hours per resident per day, from 535 long-term care communities in Oregon between 2017-2023. There was an increase in staff immediately after the pandemic and staffing levels were, on average, 28 minutes higher in 2023 than 2017. However, there was significant variation among AL communities' staffing levels, likely due to organizational-level factors like resource allocation, resident case mix, and operational structures.

Assisted Living, Residential Care, and Memory Care Staffing Level Dynamics: Oregon, 2017-2023

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This longitudinal study examined staffing levels, as measured by care hours per resident per day, from 535 long-term care communities in Oregon between 2017-2023. There was an increase in staff immediately after the pandemic and staffing levels were, on average, 28 minutes higher in 2023 than 2017. However, there was significant variation among AL communities’ staffing levels, likely due to organizational-level factors like resource allocation, resident case mix, and operational structures.

The Meaningful Engagement Assessment for Residents with Dementia in Assisted Living Settings

Jan 1, 2025
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study tested the Meaningful Engagement Assessment (MEA) tool with 31 residents with mild to severe dementia in two assisted living communities. The MEA is designed to create individualized care plannning for residents. With brief training, this pilot study revealed that the tool can feasibly be used by staff to promote meaningful activity for AL residents.

The Meaningful Engagement Assessment for Residents with Dementia in Assisted Living Settings

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study tested the Meaningful Engagement Assessment (MEA) tool with 31 residents with mild to severe dementia in two assisted living communities. The MEA is designed to create individualized care plannning for residents. With brief training, this pilot study revealed that the tool can feasibly be used by staff to promote meaningful activity for AL residents.

Measurement of Quality in Assisted Living in the United States of America: A Scoping Review

Jan 1, 2025
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This scoping review examined 49 peer-reviewed and 45 gray literature articles from 2009-2019 to assess approaches to, and indicators of, quality in assisted living. After thematic analysis, nine domains emerged, with resident qualiy of life and satisfaction being the most prioritized. These nine domains may help inform future standardized quality measurement for AL settings.

Measurement of Quality in Assisted Living in the United States of America: A Scoping Review

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This scoping review examined 49 peer-reviewed and 45 gray literature articles from 2009-2019 to assess approaches to, and indicators of, quality in assisted living. After thematic analysis, nine domains emerged, with resident qualiy of life and satisfaction being the most prioritized. These nine domains may help inform future standardized quality measurement for AL settings.

Risk of Hospitalization Among Assisted Living Residents Dually Enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid

Dec 1, 2024
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This retrospective cohort study used Medicare data from 2008-2018 from 12,451 AL communities to examine the risk of hospitalization for Medicare-Medicaid dual eligibles. Out of 620,542 Medicare beneficiaries, the 1-year risk of hospitalization was higher for dually enrolled individuals. The risk was higher in high-dual AL communities than in low-dual AL communities for both dually enrolled (7.4%) and Medicare only (9.4%) individuals.

Risk of Hospitalization Among Assisted Living Residents Dually Enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This retrospective cohort study used Medicare data from 2008-2018 from 12,451 AL communities to examine the risk of hospitalization for Medicare-Medicaid dual eligibles. Out of 620,542 Medicare beneficiaries, the 1-year risk of hospitalization was higher for dually enrolled individuals. The risk was higher in high-dual AL communities than in low-dual AL communities for both dually enrolled (7.4%) and Medicare only (9.4%) individuals.

Transitions to Nursing Homes Among Residents of Assisted Living and Community-Dwelling Home Care Recipients

Dec 1, 2024
This Canadian cohort study included 10,012 AL residents and 131,679 home care recipients who applied for beds in nursing homes to examine the transition differences between the 2 groups. There were 6,049 transitions from AL residents and 85,190 from home care to nursing homes. Living in an AL, rather than in the community, led to a roughly 13% decrease in the 5-year risk of transition to nursing homes despite similar relative clinical complexity and healthcare needs, meaning that assisted living is an important part of the long-term care continuum.

Transitions to Nursing Homes Among Residents of Assisted Living and Community-Dwelling Home Care Recipients

by Lea Efird-Green

This Canadian cohort study included 10,012 AL residents and 131,679 home care recipients who applied for beds in nursing homes to examine the transition differences between the 2 groups. There were 6,049 transitions from AL residents and 85,190 from home care to nursing homes. Living in an AL, rather than in the community, led to a roughly 13% decrease in the 5-year risk of transition to nursing homes despite similar relative clinical complexity and healthcare needs, meaning that assisted living is an important part of the long-term care continuum.

Medical Care Provider Involvement in Ontario Assisted Living Homes: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Survey Analysis

Dec 1, 2024
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This cross-sectional Canadian study examined 88 AL communities' survey responses to assess medical care provider involvement. A total of 54 AL communities had an established medical care provider, and doctors cared for more than 50 patients in 36% of homes and 46% visited homes weekly. Almost two-thirds of communities had nurses accompany physicians on rounds, and two-thirds provided residents with palliative care. Residents in homes with medical care providers were 76% less likely to seek care from a physician in the community.

Medical Care Provider Involvement in Ontario Assisted Living Homes: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Survey Analysis

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This cross-sectional Canadian study examined 88 AL communities’ survey responses to assess medical care provider involvement. A total of 54 AL communities had an established medical care provider, and doctors cared for more than 50 patients in 36% of homes and 46% visited homes weekly. Almost two-thirds of communities had nurses accompany physicians on rounds, and two-thirds provided residents with palliative care. Residents in homes with medical care providers were 76% less likely to seek care from a physician in the community.

Staffing Patterns in Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Communities, and Memory Care Units: Variation Across Shifts

Nov 1, 2024
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study used observational data from 678 nursing staff at NHs and 432 nursing staff at AL communities in Ohio to assess their direct care nursing staffing patterns. Both NHs and AL communities had better daytime staffing ratios than overnights, although NH staffing ratios were superior to those in AL communities. In AL and NH memory care units, staffing patterns were similar. As acuity increases in AL communities, more nursing staff will likely be required, especially on overnight shifts.

Staffing Patterns in Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Communities, and Memory Care Units: Variation Across Shifts

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study used observational data from 678 nursing staff at NHs and 432 nursing staff at AL communities in Ohio to assess their direct care nursing staffing patterns. Both NHs and AL communities had better daytime staffing ratios than overnights, although NH staffing ratios were superior to those in AL communities. In AL and NH memory care units, staffing patterns were similar. As acuity increases in AL communities, more nursing staff will likely be required, especially on overnight shifts.

Clinical and Sociodemographic Characteristics of New Residents of Assisted Living: A Nested Case-Control Study

Nov 1, 2024
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This nested case-control study in Ontario examined differences between community-dwelling and new AL residents to understand transitions to AL communitiess. New residents had higher rates of diagnosed dementia, mood disorders, cardiac arrhythmias, mild cognitive impairment, and falls than community-dwelling peers. New AL residents also had lower odds of having a spousal caregiver than a child caregiver. However, these residents also had higher rates of participation in activities of interest in the last seven days.

Clinical and Sociodemographic Characteristics of New Residents of Assisted Living: A Nested Case-Control Study

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This nested case-control study in Ontario examined differences between community-dwelling and new AL residents to understand transitions to AL communitiess. New residents had higher rates of diagnosed dementia, mood disorders, cardiac arrhythmias, mild cognitive impairment, and falls than community-dwelling peers. New AL residents also had lower odds of having a spousal caregiver than a child caregiver. However, these residents also had higher rates of participation in activities of interest in the last seven days.

Feasibility of a Novel Lighting System to Reduce Nighttime Falls in Assisted Living Residents With Dementia

Oct 1, 2024
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This crossover trial examined 38 residents in 5 AL communities to test a new lighting system to reduce nighttime falls. Using cameras to capture falls, falls density was found to be 34% lower in the intervention condition than the control condition, although this reduction was not statistically significant. The results were promising enough to continue testing in a larger trial, which is ongoing.

Feasibility of a Novel Lighting System to Reduce Nighttime Falls in Assisted Living Residents With Dementia

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This crossover trial examined 38 residents in 5 AL communities to test a new lighting system to reduce nighttime falls. Using cameras to capture falls, falls density was found to be 34% lower in the intervention condition than the control condition, although this reduction was not statistically significant. The results were promising enough to continue testing in a larger trial, which is ongoing.

The Prevalence and Benefits of Self-Compassion Among Professional Caregivers

Aug 1, 2024
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between self-compassion, anxiety and depressive symptoms, and job satisfaction from 391 caregivers across 13 nursing homes and assisted living communities in 3 states. Older caregivers, those with higher education, and those who were born outside the US reported highest self-compassion, while white caregivers reported the lowest. Self-compassion was negatively associated with mental health symptoms and positively associated with job satisfaction, meaning that its use could be beneficial as one method to address workforce issues in long-term care.

The Prevalence and Benefits of Self-Compassion Among Professional Caregivers

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between self-compassion, anxiety and depressive symptoms, and job satisfaction from 391 caregivers across 13 nursing homes and assisted living communities in 3 states. Older caregivers, those with higher education, and those who were born outside the US reported highest self-compassion, while white caregivers reported the lowest. Self-compassion was negatively associated with mental health symptoms and positively associated with job satisfaction, meaning that its use could be beneficial as one method to address workforce issues in long-term care.

Family Involvement among Oregon Adult Foster Home Residents, 2018-2023

Aug 1, 2024
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study used cross-sectional data from 2017-2022 from Adult Foster Homes (AFHs) in Oregon to examine trends in family involvement and home and resident characteristics. Data showed declines in familial social visits and help with appointments in 2021/22 following COVID-19, but by 2023 social visits were back to pre-pandemic levels. However, there was less familial support in going on outings and getting to medical appointments, and there were disparities in that rural and Medicaid AFHs had less family support for residents in all areas. The continued decline in medical appointment and outings support presents concerns for resident socio-emotional well-being.

Family Involvement among Oregon Adult Foster Home Residents, 2018-2023

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study used cross-sectional data from 2017-2022 from Adult Foster Homes (AFHs) in Oregon to examine trends in family involvement and home and resident characteristics. Data showed declines in familial social visits and help with appointments in 2021/22 following COVID-19, but by 2023 social visits were back to pre-pandemic levels. However, there was less familial support in going on outings and getting to medical appointments, and there were disparities in that rural and Medicaid AFHs had less family support for residents in all areas. The continued decline in medical appointment and outings support presents concerns for resident socio-emotional well-being.