Aging in place in assisted living: philosophy versus policy.
OBJECTIVE
Support of older adults' capacity to age in place is a core concept of the assisted living philosophy. This research examined implementation of the aging-in-place philosophy in 1 midwestern state (Kansas).


METHODS
This study was part of a larger state agency and university collaborative project to examine admission and discharge policies in these settings. Data analysis was conducted with descriptive statistics. Kansas findings were compared to national findings.


RESULTS
Residents' capacity to age in place was limited by facility admission and discharge policies that were more restrictive than state regulations in the areas of behavioral problems, incontinence, and cognition. In general, assisted living facility policies in Kansas were more restrictive than admission and discharge policies found nationally.


CONCLUSIONS
More inclusive assisted living admission and discharge criteria, and concomitant staffing and funding, are necessary if the aging-in-place philosophy is to be more fully implemented.
Chapin
R
R
School of Social Welfare, Office of Aging and Long Term Care, University of Kansas, Lawrence 66045, USA. rchapin@ukans.edu
Dobbs-Kepper
D
D
D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income; D007615:Kansas; D007902:Length of Stay; D008134:Long-Term Care; D008484:Medicaid; D008603:Mental Health; D012106:Research; D012112:Residential Facilities; D014481:United States