Impact of Facility Type on Assisted Living Facilities' Response to Residents' Mental Health Needs

Abstract

Assisted living facilities (ALFs) are the most rapidly growing type of residential care for the elderly in the United States. However, little is known about facilities' responses to residents' mental health needs. Obtaining a clear understanding of the industry's response to residents' mental health needs is complicated by the fact that many different types of assisted living residences exist. A survey of the administrators of two different types of assisted living facilities in the state of Tennessee-Assisted Living Care Facilities (ALCFs) and Homes for the Aged (HFA)-was conductedin 2001. Results indicate that 94% ofthe facilities house residents with mental health disorders. Considerable overlap was found in the characteristics (number of beds, number of staff, cost, years of operation) of the ALCFs and HFAs. However, when examined in aggregate, significant differences emerged. Significant differences were also found in the percent of elders with specific mental health disorders and the methods used to identify and respond to these elders by facility type. Policy and research implications are discussed.

Key Words:

• Elderly
• mental health
• assisted living
• facility-administrators