As the older population in the United States continues to grow, an increasing number of older adults are receiving long-term services and supports (LTSS) in their communities, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes. One of the greatest concerns regarding LTSS is the quality of services provided to this vulnerable population. Due to the fact that quality of life tends to decline with age, it is important that these services work to maintain or improve older adults’ quality of life as efficiently as possible. A recent study was conducted in hopes of advancing knowledge about changes in various dimensions of quality of life pertaining to health among older adults using long-term services and supports across the different care settings.
The study found that general physical function, emotional well-being, psychological well-being and social support were among the primary aspects of quality of life among older adults receiving long-term care services and supports that tended to decline over time. Assisted living facility and nursing home staff must strive to meet these needs of older adult patients in order to ensure that their quality of life is maintained as they continue to age.