Quality of life is fast becoming a standard of measure of long-term care and gerontological service outcomes. Although the issue of quality of life has been of increasing interest in the field of aging, there has been little agreement as to the clarity and definition of the concept and how to measure it, especially as it relates to older adults. Presented here is a comprehensive, integrated model of quality of life that was developed by synthesizing existing constructs within the literature into six major life domains-(1) social well-being, (2) physical well-being, (3) psychological well-being, (4) cognitive well-being, (5) spiritual well-being, and (6) environmental well-being. Consistent with a general systems framework, this holistic model expands the predominant Health-Related Quality of Life constructs to incorporate non-physical aspects of well-being. Each of these domains was broken down into several dimensions in an effort to operationalize the concept of quality of life so that it can have some common standard of useful measurement. These major life domains and indicators are important factors in determining the perceptions of quality of life of older adults. Understanding what constitutes quality of life and how to measure it comprehensively has significant implications for social policy and practice in the field of aging.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Neighbors Helping Neighbors program. The study included surveys of 49 community-residing older adults and 26 community volunteers. Results showed that older adults perceived their quality of life to have improved after receiving social and environmental services; volunteers felt that their contributions to the program had made a significant difference in their community. This exploratory, descriptive study is only a beginning effort, but it holds great promise for suggesting ways to address the needs of the burgeoning aging population in our society.

As the nation struggles with the great increase in the numbers of older adults, many questions arise about how to provide housing and long-term care options that will ensure the quality of life of older adults. This study demonstrates that older adults and their families perceive quality of life more positively once moved from a nursing home to an assisted living facility using Medicaid funds. Results of this exploratory study are promising and suggest that having housing options available across the continuum of care with individualized case management offers older adults the hope for "quality living".

To assess the environmental impact on their quality of life, 42 senior citizens and/or disabled adults were interviewed in nursing homes and again when they were in an assisted living facility. A derivation of the Wisconsin Quality of Life Index was administered during each interview.Satisfaction with quality of life was significantly higher after being in an assisted living facility for 90 days or more. Mean scores for satisfaction with the environment, the facility, and with staff and care also increased significantly. Participants reported less anxiety and depression and a significantly higher satisfaction with their ability to make choices.Shifting Medicaid funding from nursing homes to include assisted

Purpose -The purpose of this study is to examine the satisfaction of older adults in the services they receive from the Neighbors Helping Neighbors (NHN) program -a program designed to assist older adults to remain independent in their homes and communities.Design/methodology/approach -A questionnaire examining various domains of service was developed and administered to 49 older adults who had been receiving assistance from NHN for at least six months.Findings -Findings revealed that 87 percent (41) of the participants were satisfied with services and believed that NHN helped them remain independent in the community.Research limitations/implications -The study was a cross-sectional design and did not look at change over time based on a pre/post test research design. Therefore, no causation can be implied. Another limitation is that the study was conducted internally by NHN; program participants may have responded in a socially desirable way in order not to reflect negatively on the program.Practical implications -Findings from this study may have implications for developing sustainable home-and community-based support programs for older adults.Social implications -With the aging of societies and cutbacks in government social services, it is important to examine how the needs of aging citizens can be met.Originality/value -The paper shows that the NHN model is innovative in its use of students, community-building approaches, and volunteers in meeting the needs of older adults. The NHN program provides an innovative model that can be replicated by other universities or other community-based organizations around the country.