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.
Academic Publication
Effects of a Meaning in Life Enhancement Program on Depression among Older Adult Residents of Assisted Living Facilities
Effects of a Meaning in Life Enhancement Program on Depression among Older Adult Residents of Assisted Living Facilities
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This quasi-experimental study of 60 older adults in 2 AL communities in Thailand examined the effects of a program to enhance meaning in life and reduce depression. The group that experienced the program, as opposed to routine nursing care, exhibited statistically lower depression scores from baseline and compared to the control group, which means the program may be effective; however, further testing is necessary.
The Relationship between Perceived Engagement in Meaningful Activity and Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia among Assisted Living Residents
The Relationship between Perceived Engagement in Meaningful Activity and Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia among Assisted Living Residents
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study of 71 residents with dementia in 5 AL communities assessed the relationship between engagement in meaningful activities and symptoms of dementia. Perceived engagement in meaningful activities was significantly associated with decreased agitation, but not apathy, depression, or irritability.
Effect of a Digital Two-Dimensional Animation Program on Attitude Toward Walking Aids, Performance, and Fall Avoidance Behaviors among Older Adults in Assisted Living Facilities
Effect of a Digital Two-Dimensional Animation Program on Attitude Toward Walking Aids, Performance, and Fall Avoidance Behaviors among Older Adults in Assisted Living Facilities
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This quasi-experimental study of 128 AL residents investigated the impact of a two-dimensional animation program on attitudes towards walking aids, performance and fall avoidance behaviors. The intervention group had more positive attitudes towards walking aids, improved walking aid use, and reduced fall concerns than the control group, meaning this teaching strategy could be effective to enhance mobility and reduce falls in this setting.
Progress of Rehabilitation in Assisted Living for Mentally Ill According to STAX-SA Taxonomy
Progress of Rehabilitation in Assisted Living for Mentally Ill According to STAX-SA Taxonomy
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study used longitudinal data from a 2020-22 Finnish study of 340 health records of AL residents with mental illness to examine how residents moved through the AL supportive and health services system. Of the residents, 19% progressed to AL communities with fewer services, 79% remained stable, and 2% regressed into AL communities with more services. This means that rehabilitation may not be effectively implemented for these residents and needs to be improved.
Association Between Organizational Context and Resident Pain in Assisted Living: A Repeated Cross-Sectional Study
Association Between Organizational Context and Resident Pain in Assisted Living: A Repeated Cross-Sectional Study
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This repeated cross-sectional study linked survey data from COVID-19 waves 1 and 2 from 985 residents in 41 AL communities (wave 1) and 1134 residents in 42 AL communities (wave 2) to examine if organizational context was associated with resident pain. Overall pain prevalence decreased from 20.6% in wave 1 to 19.1% in wave 2, but it was non-significant.There were mixed results: better preparedness, room confinement, availability of a nurse practitioner, and staff shortages were associated with resident pain. Organizational context does therefore have an effect on resident pain, and future policy and management interventions should address these factors.
Residency in Long-Term Care Facilities: An Important Risk Factor for Respiratory Syncytial Virus Hospitalization
Residency in Long-Term Care Facilities: An Important Risk Factor for Respiratory Syncytial Virus Hospitalization
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This three-year prospective study in New York examined residential long-term care settings and risk associated with hospitalization due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), as compared with their community-dwelling peers. Residents in AL and NH settings were more likely to have dementia and congestive heart failure, creating intersections of risk factors for RSV. Residents of AL communities had 3-9 times higher, and residents of SNFs had 3-4 times higher, rates of RSV-associated hospitalizations than community dwelling residents. This study demonstrates the need for RSV vaccine recommendations in long-term care.
Staffing Patterns in Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Communities, and Memory Care Units: Variation Across Shifts
Staffing Patterns in Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Communities, and Memory Care Units: Variation Across Shifts
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.
Barriers and Facilitators to Physical Activity Among Older Adults in Residential Aged Care Facilities: A Mixed Methods Systematic Review Using the Social Ecological Model
Barriers and Facilitators to Physical Activity Among Older Adults in Residential Aged Care Facilities: A Mixed Methods Systematic Review Using the Social Ecological Model
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This systematic review examined 67 studies to understand barriers and facilitators to physical exercise for older adults in residential aged care facilities (RACFs). Out of those studies, 51 themes emerged (27 facilitators and 24 barriers), with intrapersonal factors being the most commonly cited barrier, and interpersonal factors being the most commonly cited facilitator, meaning that a multilevel approach is likely needed to address physical activity in residential care.
Perceived Physical Activity Levels and Objective Measures: A Mixed-Methods Study of Residents Aged 65 and Above in Assisted Living Homes in Australia
Perceived Physical Activity Levels and Objective Measures: A Mixed-Methods Study of Residents Aged 65 and Above in Assisted Living Homes in Australia
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This Australian mixed-methods study examined thirty five older adults from 4 AL communities to assess their physical activity levels and examine their perception of barriers and promoters of activity. Females, younger residents, those with lower BMIs, and those who did not need ambulatory assistance showed higher activity levels. Those using more support services and who had more comorbidities showed lower activity levels. The interview portion of the study revealed older adults believed exercise was important, but they had misconceptions about their own activity levels, perceiving that they were more active than they were.
Feasibility of a Novel Lighting System to Reduce Nighttime Falls in Assisted Living Residents With Dementia
Feasibility of a Novel Lighting System to Reduce Nighttime Falls in Assisted Living Residents With Dementia
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.
An Initial Exploration into Job Satisfaction Among Long-Term Care Administrators and State Tested Nursing Assistants in Ohio
An Initial Exploration into Job Satisfaction Among Long-Term Care Administrators and State Tested Nursing Assistants in Ohio
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.
Postimplementation Evaluation in Assisted Living Facilities of an eHealth Medical Device Developed to Predict and Avoid Unplanned Hospitalizations: Pragmatic Trial
Postimplementation Evaluation in Assisted Living Facilities of an eHealth Medical Device Developed to Predict and Avoid Unplanned Hospitalizations: Pragmatic Trial
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study tested a new monitoring system to predict risk of emergency hospitalizations in seven French AL communities. For the 118 included residents, 38 emergency hospitalizations were documented, and 50% of alerts from the system led to health care interventions. Hospitalizations were correlated with a lack of alert-triggered interventions, suggesting the system leads to improvements.
Differences in Medication Use by Gender and Race in Hospitalized Persons Living with Dementia
Differences in Medication Use by Gender and Race in Hospitalized Persons Living with Dementia
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study examined how demographic differences in 352 older adults living at home, in assisted living, and in nursing homes were associated with differing use of medications. Most medication use was significantly higher for white, compared to Black, older adults, except for antihypertensives. Females received more anxiolytics than males, and differences in medication use existed by at-home and residential setting. These treatment differences were notable even when adjusting for age, cognitive status, hospital, delirium, and comorbidities, showing disparities in treatment regimens by race and gender that may need to be addressed.
Participants’ Baseline Characteristics and Feedback of the Nature-Based Social Intervention “Friends in Nature” among Lonely Older Adults in Assisted Living Facilities in Finland: A Randomised Controlled Trial of the RECETAS EU-Project
Participants’ Baseline Characteristics and Feedback of the Nature-Based Social Intervention “Friends in Nature” among Lonely Older Adults in Assisted Living Facilities in Finland: A Randomised Controlled Trial of the RECETAS EU-Project
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This Finnish study conducted a randomized controlled trial of a “friends in nature” intervention for 319 lonely older adult participants from 22 AL communities. General alleviation of loneliness was seen in 57% of residents who received the friends in nature intervention. When asked for their feedback, participants appreciated the experience and 96% would recommend the intervention to other older adults.
Paucity of Published Data and Protocols for Hypoglycemia Management in Long-term Care
Paucity of Published Data and Protocols for Hypoglycemia Management in Long-term Care
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This systematic review examined established hypoglycemia protocols in LTC settings and assessed their effects on patient outcomes and healthcare resource use. Only 5 articles met the inclusion criteria and only 2 publications involved specific treatment protocols in long-term care settings, indicating a lack of published research on this issue.
Health of the Pandemic: Dementia Paid Staff and Unpaid Caregiver Workforce in Congregate Care and Community Settings
Health of the Pandemic: Dementia Paid Staff and Unpaid Caregiver Workforce in Congregate Care and Community Settings
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study used questionnaires to capture the experiences of 182 paid staff and 148 unpaid caregivers of people living with dementia living in the community and long-term care settings across the US during theCOVID-19 pandemic. Paid staff were more likely to have been exposed, tested, hospitalized, or been ill with COVID-19 and had more medical and mental health services impacts than unpaid caregivers. Unpaid caregivers showed higher rates of depressive symptom severity and scored lower for hope than paid staff, showing disparate negative impacts from COVID-related stressors.
Aging in Isolation: Sexual Orientation Differences in Navigating Cognitive Decline
Aging in Isolation: Sexual Orientation Differences in Navigating Cognitive Decline
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This cross-sectional study examined data from 2015-19 to investigate subjective cognitive decline differences among individuals with different sexual orientations. Sexual minorities (e.g., lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer individuals) were more likely to experience cognitive decline, and sexual minority women were less likely to receive social support than non-sexual minority individuals. Therefore, specific strategies to increase support and services to prevent cognitive decline in sexual minority populations are recommended.
Nursing Staff’s Perspectives of Care Robots for Assisted Living Facilities: Systematic Literature Review
Nursing Staff’s Perspectives of Care Robots for Assisted Living Facilities: Systematic Literature Review
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This systematic review examined the results of 15 studies about nurses’ attitudes toward care robots in assisted living communities. The studies were conducted with small sample sizes, and there were concerns from nurses regarding ethics, safety, accessibility, and Overall, nurses supported care robots for assisting with physical tasks and reducing workload, but were mixed about whether they should help with social tasks.
Determinants of Received Care Time among Finnish Home Care Clients and Assisted Living Facility Residents: A Time-Motion Study
Determinants of Received Care Time among Finnish Home Care Clients and Assisted Living Facility Residents: A Time-Motion Study
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This cross-sectional observational study examined individual and organizational factors associated with received care time for 1477 home care clients and 1538 residents from 61 AL care units in Finland. Physical functioning associated with activities of daily living was the highest predictor of care time in both settings. In home care greater pain, unstable health, and care team autonomy were associated with more care time, whereas depressive mood and higher staffing ratios were associated in AL care units.
Examining Care Network Characteristics in Older Adults’ Relocation to Residential Care Settings
Examining Care Network Characteristics in Older Adults’ Relocation to Residential Care Settings
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.
Reliability and Validity Testing of the Modified Quality of Interaction Scale
Reliability and Validity Testing of the Modified Quality of Interaction Scale
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study used observational data from 152 staff-resident interactions in 4 AL communities to test the reliability and validity of the Modified Quality of Interaction Scale. There was some evidence for both reliability and validity, as resident engagement was significantly associated with positive social and care interactions, but reliability and validity were not comprehensively supported in this setting.
Wastewater-Based Surveillance Reveals the Effectiveness of the First COVID-19 Vaccination Campaigns in Assisted Living Facilities
Wastewater-Based Surveillance Reveals the Effectiveness of the First COVID-19 Vaccination Campaigns in Assisted Living Facilities
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study examined the impacts of non-pharmaceutical interventions and mass vaccination campaigns in 4 AL communities in Arizona to understand the effects of different interventions against COVID-19 in this setting. Using wastewater surveillance, large-scale vaccination campaigns were found to reduce the viral load in three of the four communities.
A Cross-Sectional Study of Nurse Turnover in Residential Care Communities
A Cross-Sectional Study of Nurse Turnover in Residential Care Communities
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This cross-sectional study examined 2018 public data of RNs and aides in residential care communities (RCCs) to examine factors related to turnover. On average, RN turnover was 72% and aide turnover was 48%. Non-profit RCCs had lower turnover and chain facilities had higher turnover. Contrary to predictions, large RCCs had lower turnover rates.


