Assisted Living Focus Changing from Hospitality to Aging in Place

According to Senior Housing News, the assisted living industry is changing from a hospitality-based model to one incorporating more health care options to allow seniors to "age in place."  

The shift in operational strategy comes as more seniors indicate a preference for assisted living to moving in with family members.  Whether seniors want to avoid becoming burdens to their children,  want to avoid loss of autonomy many seniors believe follows moving in with family, or simply want to avoid the practical, financial, and legal challenges cohabitation presents, older adults seem to increasingly view assisted living as a better option than moving in with family members.

The shift in operational strategy coincides with an industry-wide effort to improve quality of care. As reported here, a January GAO Report raised serious questions regarding whether CMS could properly oversee and regulate the quality of assisted living care, in what some called "a national scandal."  The industry has reportedly responded with efforts to improve, maintain, and demonstrate quality outcomes.  The Long Term Care Community Coalition (LTCCC) recently released its own report identifying key best practices and policies for assisted living facilities to regulate their own operations, and ensure the safety and dignity of residents. The report lays out guidelines and requirements for staff training including cross training across multiple subject areas, establishing licensing and certification requirements where appropriate, allowing for alternative training methods, and required training assessments, LTCCC Executive Director Richard Mollot told Senior Housing News.  

Although there is still both risk and uncertainty for consumers, there is great promise for seniors and their families if the industry shifts its focus to meet the objectives of seniors, while simultaneously tightening operational standards.  Regardless the short-term outcome, the recognition and incorporation of Aging in Place as a discreet objective means that the industry is seeking to meet the goals and objectives of seniors and their families, rather than simply achieving bureaucratically imposed requirements of a health care system concerned primarily with cost containment.  An industry leading the government is a welcome and promising possibility.         

You can read more here.