Work

What happens behind closed doors? Investigating care practices in nursing home and assisted living memory care units

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: In the United States, long-term care providers, such as nursing homes and assisted living communities, are meeting consumer demand through housing and care options designed to support the growing population of people living with dementia. One approach to providing dementia care is the development of "memory care units" within existing nursing homes and assisted living communities. Memory care units provide a setting more tailored to the cognitive and functional abilities of these individuals. There is emerging evidence about the optimum strategies for memory care environments; however, little is known about the implementation, prevalence, and quality of practice-and environment-based strategies-in memory care units. This article provides insight into the prevalence of memory care unit practices using data from Ohio. The analysis points to policy and practice opportunities to address the quality of life and care for people living with dementia.

Source: Health Affairs Scholar

DOI: 10.1093/haschl/qxaf026

Authors: Amy E Elliot, John R Bowblis, Ian Nelson, Heather Menne

Institution: Miami University

Language: English

Topic: Geriatric Care and Nursing Homes

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,150