WASHINGTON, D.C. — The American Seniors Housing Association (ASHA), a D.C.-based seniors housing advocacy organization, and ProMatura, a Mississippi-based research firm, have released a study that identifies how assisted living communities can provide a more satisfying environment, a greater sense of feeling at home, and a greater quality of life.
ProMatura’s Margaret Wylde and Kristen Paris authored the 100-page report, titled “People, Place, Programming: Quality of Life in Assisted Living.” The study summarizes responses from 2,322 assisted living customers across 106 communities.
“[The study] provides a unique perspective because it captures data from both residents and family members in different types of assisted living communities, and provides insights on eight key quality indicators (KQIs), including overall satisfaction, sense of feeling at home, sense of safety and security, sense of control, perception of how the community runs, willingness to recommend the community, sense of value, and willingness to move to the community if they were to do it again,” says David Schless, president of ASHA.
The complete report also includes chapters on resident profiles — reported by residents and family members — including health, limitations in activities, emotional health, assisted living residency (length of stay and occupants), families of assisted living customers, feeling at home in assisted living, and strategies to manage and prevent bullying in assisted living.
“Among assisted living residents, for example, the study found that camaraderie within the community had the greatest impact, while quality of food had the greatest impact among family members whose loved ones reside in assisted living,” notes Paris.
Both organizations are collaborating on three additional research projects, including a study entitled “Messages that Matter,” which explores messaging and communications; “The Art and Science of Sales,” which also involves Sherpa and analyzes the sales and marketing process; and a new study of independent living.
To find the full report (free for ASHA members, or $300 for non-members), click here.