title: Predictors of psychological well-being among assisted-living residents.
abstract: Assisted-living facilities are a rapidly growing source of supportive housing for frail elderly people. This study examined the psychological well-being of elderly assisted-living residents and factors associated with well-being. Participants were nondemented elderly residents of an assisted-living community in the urban southeast. Depression, life satisfaction, and demographic, health, and social support variables were measured through face-to-face interviews. A sizeable minority of the residents reported high levels of depressive symptoms and low life satisfaction. Female gender, self-reported health, functional impairment, perceived social support, and participation in activities were significantly associated with well-being. The predictive value of gender and health variables were reduced when social support was introduced. Implications for policy and social work practice are discussed.
authors.affiliation: University of Tennessee, College of Social Work, 193-E Polk Avenue, Nashville, TN 37210, USA. scummings@utk.edu
authors.forename: Sherry M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Cummings
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D040561:Assisted Living Facilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003863:Depression; D005260:Female; D016330:Frail Elderly / Q000523:psychology*; D006302:Health Services Research; D016852:Housing for the Elderly / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life; D015144:Southeastern United States