Nursing home vs. assisted living: The environmental effect on quality of life

ABSTRACT
To assess the environmental impact on their quality of life, 42 senior citizens and/or disabled adults were interviewed in nursing homes and again when they were in an assisted living facility. A derivation of the Wisconsin Quality of Life Index was administered during each interview.
Satisfaction with quality of life was significantly higher after being in an assisted living facility for 90 days or more. Mean scores for satisfaction with the environment, the facility, and with staff and care also increased significantly. Participants reported less anxiety and depression and a significantly higher satisfaction with their ability to make choices.
Shifting Medicaid funding from nursing homes to include assisted living facilities may increase the quality of life for senior citizens and/or disabled adults.