Residential Satisfaction of Older Adults in Age-Segregated Facilities

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the residential satisfaction of town home residents of an independent living facility. Twenty-one residents of a private-pay retirement facility with an assisted living facility on site participated in focus groups to explore themes of residential satisfaction. Seventy-nine residents responded to a follow-up mail survey. Results show that residents expected safe and supportive environments and stability in the environments they had chosen. These older residents valued good design and construction, friendly neighbors, privacy, efficient handling of maintenance concerns, and accessible management. The residents were most satisfied with neighborhood and housing characteristics and least satisfied with maintenance and management. Residents of nonsubsidized housing, who have more housing choices, may have high expectations of quality and maintenance. Managers should be aware of residents’ expectations of responsiveness and friendliness. Loss of control to management may be an ongoing concern.