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.

Staff/Staffing

Potential Side Effects and Adverse Events of Antipsychotic Use for Residents With Dementia in Assisted Living: Implications for Prescribers, Staff, and Families

Mar 1, 2022
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study examined the use of antipsychotic medications among residents with dementia in 91 AL communities across seven states. The prevalence of potential side effects was high (93%) and of possible adverse events low, (6%), potentially associated with medication side effects. Quetiapine (Seroquel) and risperidone (Risperdal) were the most frequently prescribed antipsychotics. Most, but not all, residents’ family members were aware of their relative’s antipsychotic use.

Potential Side Effects and Adverse Events of Antipsychotic Use for Residents With Dementia in Assisted Living: Implications for Prescribers, Staff, and Families

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study examined the use of antipsychotic medications among residents with dementia in 91 AL communities across seven states. The prevalence of potential side effects was high (93%) and of possible adverse events low, (6%), potentially associated with medication side effects. Quetiapine (Seroquel) and risperidone (Risperdal) were the most frequently prescribed antipsychotics. Most, but not all, residents’ family members were aware of their relative’s antipsychotic use.

Assisted Living Administrators’ Approaches to Advance Care Planning

Feb 1, 2022
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: Interviews with 27 AL administrators revealed different approaches to advanced care planning (ACP). They all acknowledged the importance of ACP and often discussed topics like “do-not-resuscitate” orders when new residents arrived. Challenges included insufficient ACP training for staff and administrators and some reluctance from residents and families to discuss ACP. Most communities lacked a systematic, structured ACP approach.

Assisted Living Administrators’ Approaches to Advance Care Planning

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: Interviews with 27 AL administrators revealed different approaches to advanced care planning (ACP). They all acknowledged the importance of ACP and often discussed topics like “do-not-resuscitate” orders when new residents arrived. Challenges included insufficient ACP training for staff and administrators and some reluctance from residents and families to discuss ACP. Most communities lacked a systematic, structured ACP approach.

The Impact of Cognitive Impairment on Clinical Symptoms, Physical Activity and Care Interactions among Residents in Assisted Living Settings

Feb 1, 2022
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study included 550 AL residents from 59 communities, and assessed how cognitive impairment relates to physical activity, pain, and willingness to receive staff-assisted function-focused care. It found that cognitively impaired residents were less active, experienced more pain, and were less interested in staff-assisted function-focused care activities.

The Impact of Cognitive Impairment on Clinical Symptoms, Physical Activity and Care Interactions among Residents in Assisted Living Settings

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study included 550 AL residents from 59 communities, and assessed how cognitive impairment relates to physical activity, pain, and willingness to receive staff-assisted function-focused care. It found that cognitively impaired residents were less active, experienced more pain, and were less interested in staff-assisted function-focused care activities.