Table 3. Voices of Seniors Regarding Independent or Assisted - Living Facilities page 1 of 5

Purpose	Location, Sample & Measurements	Findings	Authors
Determine areas of dissatisfaction Determine preferred nursing assistants' characteristics	Midwest metropolitan area 3 Assisted Living Facilities 87 residents 113 family members Residents were interviewed; family members received a mail survey. Surveys included closed and open ended questions.	Areas of dissatisfaction: Meal time - food, hours & seating arrangement Nursing Assistants - turnover, training, lack of patience and compassion Recreational Activities - more & different activities Preferred characteristics of NAs: Genuine concern, kindness & patience Respectfulness Consistent attentiveness Pleasant disposition	Buelow & Fee, 1999
Describe residents using ALF with highest level of services	Nationally representative of high service; privacy ALFs 300 Assisted Living Facilities 184,558 residents In-person interviews	Amount of control over selection of ALF: 52% Complete 23% Some Control 25% Little/no control Need more help 12% Dressing 12% Locomotion 26% Toileting Staff 80% treated with dignity 61% show affection 52% take time to listen 52% training/good supervision Activities: 45% do most or all time 35% not outside ALF in last 2 weeks 51% enjoy most/always Staff ask preference: 23% never 35% sometimes	Hawes & Phillips, 2000

Table 3. Voices of Seniors Regarding Independent or Assisted - Living Facilities Page 2 of 5

Purpose	Location, Sample & Measurements	Findings	Authors
		Meals: 54% always choice 26% always tasty Extra services purchased: 61% grooming hair 26% foot care Information Shared 67% aware of monthly charge 30% aware of discharge policy	Hawes & Phillips, 2000
Describe death related planning and preferences for place of death among well elders in CCRCs	North Carolina Independent living apartment in 1 CCRC 219 residents Questionnaire survey, returned to researchers anonymously	40% issues re death played a role in decision to move to CCRC 5 themes/reasons: - need for terminal illness care - fear re: family burden - fear re: isolation - want to be near spouse - far from family 66% preferred to die on CCRC campus 36% apartment 18% in CCRC SNF	Hays, et al., 2001
Examine the amenity preferences of potential private pay nursing home residents presuming basic services are provided.	Dayton, Ohio 2 independent living facilities 262 residents Mail survey with rating questions from most to least important	Preferred amenities: 1-Mental & physical services 2-comfort & security 3-Personal services Top preferred single amenities: 1-Security system 2-Home-like environment 3-Private rooms 4-Post office services 5-Transportation provided Least Important Ratings: Financial consultation, fresh flowers, hospital-like environment, gardens and educational opportunities	MacDowell & Clawson, 1992-3

Table 2. Voices of Seniors Regarding Independent or Assisted-Living Facilities Page 3 of 5

Purpose	Location, Sample & Measurements	Findings	Authors
Determine the relative importance of services, amenities & activities in the initial selection of an ALF	Arkansas communities with populations of 5,000 or more 279 heads of households, age range from 23-83 years Mail survey asked importance of 43 services, facility amenities & activities in selection of an ALF for an adult parent	Top Services Preferences: - personal security - financial affordability - available medical facilities - meals available - personal care available - near adult child Facility amenities - chapel/spiritual center - full kitchen - washer & dryer in apt	O'Bryan, et al., 1996
Discover why residents leave Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs)	Nationally representative of American ALFs 278 ALFs 1,483 in person resident interview 7 months later, telephone interview with 248 residents discharged	Location of residents who left ALF 59% nursing home 28% other ALF Reasons for leaving 78% need more care 14% closer to family 12% dissatisfied with care Decision maker: 75% family/resident 25% facility decision Factors impacting departures: - Cognitive impairment - Need ADL assistance - For profit facilities	Phillips, C. et al., 2003

Table 2. Voices of Seniors Regarding Independent or Assisted-Living Facilities Page 4 of 5

Purpose	Location, Sample & Measurements	Findings	Authors
Determine preferred characteristics of congregate care facilities by family members	Southeastern city 42 adult children who recently selected a congregate care facility for parents Interviews rank ordered in terms of desirability	Attributes & importance ratings: 1 = Staff Attitudes 2 = Location near family 3 = Nursing Care 4 = Cost	Shemwell & Yavas, 1997
Understand consumers' satisfaction with their selection of independent-living facilities	Long Island, New York & Florida (affluent areas) Independent Living Facilities 204 seniors Interviews, with rating scales	Reason for selecting facility 53% to be near family 25% to be near needed services 15% to be near my friends Factors considered important: 94% security on grounds 85% have emergency call system, access to RNs & MDs, have social activities Evaluated as below expectations: 56% emergency call system 43% cleanliness 35% caring Evaluated as exceeded expectations: 29% quietness 25% design of unit 25% caring	Sherman et al., 1992

Table 2. Voices of Seniors Regarding Independent or Assisted-Living Facilities Page 5 of 5

Purpose	Location, Sample & Measurements	Findings	Authors
Determine the relationships between resident satisfaction and organizational factors of Assisted Living Facilities	Maryland 13 Assisted Living Facilities small to large size 119 residents interviews Variables - MEAP's facility amenities, costs to residents, resident characteristics, and participation in decision concerning relocation	Resident characteristics together explained most of satisfaction Significant characteristics: - personal happiness - high functional independence - participated in relocation decision Organizational factors added only 7% to the satisfaction Moderate physical amenities and personal space were the two significant variables	Sikorska, 1999
Examine decision making abilities of residents in assisted living regarding abuse and neglect	USA unknown area 3 ALFs 27 residents Interviews & watched video scenarios of common types of abuse, then re-interviewed regarding abuse & strategy if it happened to them	Identified about 54% of inappropriate behaviors: Most identified = physical, fiduciary & medication issues Least identified = verbal abuse, neglect and environmental hazards Asked how would leave if unhappy 51% couldn't answer 26% rely on family 22% acceptable plan without family	Wood & Stephens, 2003