Definition and Classification of Assisted Living

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to discuss the benefits and limitations of, and considerations in, developing a typology of assisted living (AL). Design and Methods: We conducted a review and comparison of nine AL typologies drawn from the literature. Results: Typologies addressed matters related to the structure, process, population, and philosophy of AL to varying degrees. A lack of available data and different sampling frames hindered attempts to quantitatively compare the typologies. Implications: Typologies are potentially useful for consumers, practitioners, policy makers, and researchers. It is advisable to identify state-based typologies and then empirically determine types that have national representation. Stakeholders should consider the tradeoff between sensitivity and specificity and allow any resulting typology to anticipate ongoing evolution in the field of AL.

Exploring a new theory of successful aging among low-income older adults in an independent and assisted living community.

“…Although there is no consensus on terminology for the wide array of housing and service options for older adults (Eldercare.gov), for the purposes of this study an independent and assisted living retirement community refers to housing and services that accommodate elders' unique needs, encourage independence, avoid or delay placement in nursing homes, and improve quality of life (Hawes & Phillips, 2007;Kane & Wilson, 2007;Wilson, 2007;Zimmerman & Sloane, 2007). While elders are reluctant to leave their family homes (AARP Public Policy Institute, 2008), research has strongly supported the importance of avoiding social isolation, lack of cognitive stimulation, and threats to safety inherent in remaining alone in a home as frailty and multiple chronic disease progress over time (Aud & Conn, 2003;Cannuscio, Block, & Kawachi, 2003;Cutler, 2007;Spitzer, Neuman, & Holden, 2004;Stevens-Ratchford & Diaz, 2003).…”

“…Assistance with transportation enables maintenance of long-time friendships, church attendance, and volunteer activity (Fried, Freedman, Endres, & Wasik, 1997). Planned social activities promote development of peer relationships, increasing functional and emotional social support, and providing opportunities for cognitive and sensory stimulation (Shu, Huang, & Chen, 2003;Spitzer, Neumann, & Holden, 2004;Stone & Reinhard, 2007;Wilson, 2007;Zimmerman & Sloane, 2007).…”

California’s Newly Reformed Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly

“…There is little consensus on the definition of assisted living in the United States, and according to Zimmerman and Sloane (2007), " a single, universally agreed-upon definition of assisted living does not exist" (p. 36); while Hedrick et al, (2007) argue that assisted living is defined as "group housing with additional services" (p. 366). Additional services might be prepared meals, social activities, transportation, and some degree of 24-hour protective oversight and assistance with ADLs and IADLs (Marsden 1999;Robnett and Chop 2014;Zimmerman and Sloane 2007).…”

“…Additional services might be prepared meals, social activities, transportation, and some degree of 24-hour protective oversight and assistance with ADLs and IADLs (Marsden 1999;Robnett and Chop 2014;Zimmerman and Sloane 2007).…”

The impact of complex chronic diseases on care utilization among assisted living residents

“…1,2 Although the most common reasons for entering AL are dementia 3 and functional impairment, 4 most residents (94%) have at least one chronic medical condition, with over three quarters (76%) having two or more chronic conditions. 5,6 Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias (42%), heart disease (34%), depression (28%), diabetes (17%), and COPD (15%) are in the top 10 most common chronic conditions.…”