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.

Quality Improvement

Implementing Large-Scale Data-Driven Quality Improvement in Assisted Living

Feb 1, 2022
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: A quality improvement initiative implemented by 810 Wisconsin assisted living communities serving over 20,000 residents found that most communities (88%) were able to comply with membership requirements and 71% remained enrolled for more than 2 years. This model could be reproduced in other states to improve quality.

Implementing Large-Scale Data-Driven Quality Improvement in Assisted Living

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: A quality improvement initiative implemented by 810 Wisconsin assisted living communities serving over 20,000 residents found that most communities (88%) were able to comply with membership requirements and 71% remained enrolled for more than 2 years. This model could be reproduced in other states to improve quality.

Rapid Adoption of Electronic Health Record and Health Information Exchange among Assisted Living Communities, 2010–2018 

Feb 1, 2022
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study examined the use of electronic health records (EHRs) and health information exchange (HIE) in AL between 2010 and 2018. Use varied based on AL size and ownership, with larger (26+ beds) and chain-owned communities more likely to use these technologies. Overall, adoption of these technologies increased from 2010 to 2018, but smaller communities had lower adoption rates.

Rapid Adoption of Electronic Health Record and Health Information Exchange among Assisted Living Communities, 2010–2018 

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study examined the use of electronic health records (EHRs) and health information exchange (HIE) in AL between 2010 and 2018. Use varied based on AL size and ownership, with larger (26+ beds) and chain-owned communities more likely to use these technologies. Overall, adoption of these technologies increased from 2010 to 2018, but smaller communities had lower adoption rates.

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.

Memory Care Reduces Nursing Home Admissions among Assisted-Living Residents with Dementia

Jan 1, 2022
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: Medicare data for over 20,600 assisted living residents with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) indicate that residents of memory care had a significantly lower risk of hospitalization, nursing home admission, and long-term nursing home stays compared to those in general communities.

Memory Care Reduces Nursing Home Admissions among Assisted-Living Residents with Dementia

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: Medicare data for over 20,600 assisted living residents with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) indicate that residents of memory care had a significantly lower risk of hospitalization, nursing home admission, and long-term nursing home stays compared to those in general communities.