Resident- and Facility-Level Predictors of Resident-Reported Quality of Life in Assisted Living

TL;DR

This study identifies factors affecting quality of life in assisted living, including resident demographics and facility characteristics.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into resident-reported quality of life predictors in assisted living facilities using statewide data.

Findings

Older residents reported higher scores across most quality of life domains.

Smaller facilities had higher scores in food, staff, and autonomy.

Facilities with dementia care units had mixed results, with higher food scores but lower autonomy and staff scores.

Abstract

Ensuring high-quality care in assisted living (AL) is a growing priority, yet little is known about factors shaping resident-reported quality of life (QoL). Minnesota recently implemented statewide measurement and public reporting of QoL, providing a unique opportunity to examine predictors of resident experiences. This study evaluated resident- and facility-level factors associated with seven QoL domains: staff, environment, food, engagement, autonomy, culture, and security. We analyzed cross-sectional data from 11,684 AL residents in facilities with more than five beds who participated in the 2024 state QoL survey (90% aged ≥65 years, 66% female, 84% White). Using multivariable linear mixed regression with a facility-level random intercept, we accounted for facility-level clustering. Mean QoL scores ranged from 1.6 to 1.9 out of 2, with food and engagement rated lowest and environment highest. Older residents reported higher scores across most QoL domains (β, 0.02–0.08; p < 0.05). Women rated food and security lower (β, -0.04 and -0.02; p < 0.05), while American Indian/Alaskan Native residents reported lower scores in culture, security, staff, and environment (β, -0.05 to -0.10; p < 0.05). Smaller facilities (< 25 beds) had higher scores in food, staff, and autonomy (β, 0.02–0.07; p < 0.05). Facilities with dementia care unit licensure had higher food scores but lower autonomy, staff, and security scores (β, -0.02 to -0.03; p < 0.05). Findings highlight disparities in resident QoL, underscoring the need for targeted interventions and policy efforts to enhance resident well-being in AL.