Definition and classification of assisted living.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this article is to discuss the benefits and limitations of, and considerations in, developing a typology of assisted living (AL).


METHODS
We conducted a review and comparison of nine AL typologies drawn from the literature.


RESULTS
Typologies addressed matters related to the structure, process, population, and philosophy of AL to varying degrees. A lack of available data and different sampling frames hindered attempts to quantitatively compare the typologies.


CONCLUSIONS
Typologies are potentially useful for consumers, practitioners, policy makers, and researchers. It is advisable to identify state-based typologies and then empirically determine types that have national representation. Stakeholders should consider the tradeoff between sensitivity and specificity and allow any resulting typology to anticipate ongoing evolution in the field of AL.
Zimmerman
Sheryl
S
University of North Carolina, Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, 725 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA. sheryl_zimmerman@unc.edu
Sloane
Philip D
PD
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging; D040561:Assisted Living Facilities / Q000145:classification / Q000458:organization & administration; D003953:Diagnosis-Related Groups; D005853:Geriatrics; D006707:Homes for the Aged / Q000145:classification / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011998:Recreation; D012112:Residential Facilities / Q000145:classification* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012947:Social Work / Q000458:organization & administration; D014186:Transportation; D014481:United States