Assisted Living Receives High Marks for Residents’ Quality of Life

There are numerous aspects that contribute to the quality of life for seniors in assisted living communities, and a recent study by global market research firm, ProMatura, revealed that providers in the nation’s most populous state are doing well in many facets.

“While assisted living was once thought of primarily as a way for seniors to get help with the physical aspects of aging, it is clear that assisted living and memory care communities are not only meeting day-to-day needs but significantly contributing to quality of life for seniors,” President of the California Assisted Living Association (CALA), Sally Michael, said in a prepared statement.

Seniors in 228 CALA-member communities were surveyed during February 2016 on their sense of belonging, sense of control and overall quality of life in assisted living facilities.

“This survey is like the 30,000-foot level,” president and CEO of ProMatura, Margaret Wylde, Ph.D., tells Senior Housing News. “The results really weren’t surprising to us, because the communities included were all great. It was a good sampling for the industry on a big-picture scale.”

Of the over 8,000 seniors surveyed, 98% of residents say staff members in their assisted living community are friendly, according to the survey. One of the most important things for seniors in an assisted living environment is to feel loved and feel that they are being acknowledged, Wylde said in the report.

In addition, 93% of residents have made friends with other residents, which shows that communities are creating an environment where seniors in transition can move beyond the challenges of aging, the survey explains.

Feeling in control and safe is another key factor in the overall quality of life for seniors in assisted living facilities. A lot of frustration can often come from having to ask for help, but the majority of residents surveyed feel as if they have control over their own lives.

In addition, 89% of residents said they would recommend their assisted living community to a friend and 90% of family members would recommend their loved one’s community to a friend.

“What we know is that the factors that influence quality of life don’t change over time,” Wylde said in a prepared statement. “The setting may change but what people need for emotional well-being remains the same.”

Read the full report from ProMatura.

Written by Alana Stramowski