Report: Encouraging assisted living residents to socialize

Researchers found the way to integrate assisted living residents with their communities is to encourage families to visit, continually assess residents' interests, and give them newsletters, according to a study released by the Assisted Living Research Institute.

Dr. Rosalie Kane and her team from the University of Minnesota's School of Public Health wrote the report: "Assisted Living as a Long-Term Care Option: Transition, Continuity, and Community."

The researchers found that residents become integrated in the building by socializing at meals and getting involved in activities and religious services. Assisted living providers said they fostered friendships among residents with similar temperaments.
 
The study was released in conjunction with the Assisted Living Federation of America 2004 National Conference & EXPO and funded by the Andrus-AARP Foundation.