Ninety-one percent of older adults surveyed identified cost as a major concern in evaluating senior living care options, along with care and quality, according to a new report from customer experience research firm A Closer Look.
“We are thrilled to unveil our inaugural comprehensive report on the senior living landscape,” Chris Gillen, CEO of A Closer Look, said in a statement. “This first-party research provides data-driven insights that empower senior living communities to optimize their operations efficiently and thrive in today’s dynamic market.”
Higher-quality communities were seen as cost-prohibitive without financial assistance, whereas more affordable options may compromise care quality, amenities and staff qualifications, according to respondents.
Additionally, according to A Closer Look, a “considerable percentage of respondents” said they would be open to home care, living with family or even relying on occasional check-ins from friends or relatives.
Other concerns cited by respondents:
- Caregiver support
- Staff qualifications
- Neglect or abuse
- Quality
- Profit-driven operators
Many of the respondents expressed concerns about high turnover rates among caregivers, as well as caregivers being unsupportive or indifferent towards residents’ needs.
“When my mother’s physical needs became too much for us to handle, we had to put her in assisted living,” one respondent said. “The care there was so poor that we had to hire full-time aides to be in the apartment with her since she didn’t get any response most of the time when she needed help.”
A Closer Look found that respondents also were concerned that long-term care facilities might hire staff without necessary skills and training.
“There was a prevailing perception among those surveyed that caregivers often lacked the necessary skills and training required to provide adequate care to residents,” the report said. “Many respondents felt that staff members were underpaid, leading to a higher prevalence of individuals working multiple jobs to make ends meet.”
Some respondents shared anecdotes of abuse, neglect and property theft by caregivers, “raising significant concerns about resident safety and well-being.”
Quality came through as a concern in a variety of ways, from odors to bland food to lack of amenities. A Closer Look recommends]ed that senior living communities focus on providing services, maintaining high cleanliness and hygiene standards, offering nutritious and appetizing food, and providing engaging activities and socialization opportunities. Communities also should seek regular feedback from residents, and their families can help identify areas for improvement, the company said.
A perception exists that some assisted living operators primarily are driven by financial gain rather than genuinely caring about residents’ well-being, the report indicated.
“Though residents pay a premium price to live there, the vast majority of facilities pay very low wages to the caregivers and often only have one licensed nurse (LPN or RN) on staff,” one respondent commented.
A Closer Look recommended that senior living communities strive to be transparent about their pricing, services and quality standards.
“Providing clear and detailed information upfront can help potential residents make informed decisions and avoid surprises or disappointments after moving in,” according to the report.
For additional coverage of the report, see McKnight’s Senior Living.
