COVID-19 Response In U.S. Assisted Living Settings: Key Stakeholder Perspectives

Sarah Dys,Paula Carder,Kali Thomas,Sheryl Zimmerman,Jaclyn Winfree

doi:10.1093/geroni/igab046.219

Sarah Dys, Paula Carder + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igab046.219

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Abstract

Unique regulatory requirements and scope of services within assisted living (AL) pose distinctive challenges to COVID-19 response. To identify COVID-19 issues specific to AL, we recruited stakeholders with expertise in AL operations, policy, practice, and research (n=42) to participate in remote interviews between July and September 2020. Using thematic analysis, we derived the following overarching themes: 1) Policymakers lack an understanding of the AL context; 2) AL administrators were left to coordinate guidelines with little support; 3) AL organizations faced limited knowledge of and disparate access to resources; 4) State-level regulatory requirements conflicted with COVID-19 guidelines resulting in confusion; and 5) AL operators struggled to balance public health priorities with promoting their residents’ wellbeing. To develop evidence-informed policy and avoid unintended consequences, AL operators, direct care workers, residents, and clinicians practicing in these settings should have opportunities to provide feedback through the policy development process, both state and national.

Highlights

Similar to nursing homes, COVID-19 has challenged assisted living (AL), given its congregate nature and vulnerable residents
The fourth study reports results from a survey with administrators and medical and mental health care providers who treat their residents that illustrates the care practices that were implemented in response to COVID-19 in assisted living
Primary points to be discussed are that COVID-19 may accelerate the closer coordination of social work and medical care into AL, because recommendations suggest AL would benefit from the services and expertise of nurses, social workers, and physicians

Summary

Introduction

COVID-19 has challenged assisted living (AL), given its congregate nature and vulnerable residents. COVID-19 IN ASSISTED LIVING: EVIDENCE ON POLICIES, PROVIDER EXPERIENCES, AND RESIDENT MORTALITY Chair: Kali Thomas Discussant: Lindsay Schwartz This symposium highlights five studies that focus on various levels of COVID-19 response in assisted living: national organizations, states, assisted living operators and healthcare providers, and residents.

Results

Conclusion