Prioritizing LTSS Quality: Exploring the Views of Older Adults, Families, and Professionals

J Aging Soc Policy. 2021 May-Jun;33(3):247-267. doi: 10.1080/08959420.2020.1750542. Epub 2020 Apr 14.

Abstract

We conducted a cross-sectional survey involving 349 older adults, family members, and long-term services and supports (LTSS) professionals in Minnesota to assess their views on priorities for residential LTSS quality. We found considerable agreement among the three groups on the highest priorities to ensure the wellbeing of older adults who use LTSS: safety, dignity, and staffing. Relationships were also viewed as a high priority. However, older adults prioritized the physical environment over professionals, and they expressed more varied opinions on priorities overall. Older adults also consistently rated autonomy/choice as less important than other quality domains, a finding worth further exploration.

Keywords: Long-term care; consumers; professionals; public policy; quality assessment; quality of life; stakeholders.

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living
  • Aged
  • Aging / psychology*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Long-Term Care / psychology*
  • Male
  • Minnesota
  • Quality of Life / psychology*
  • Social Support*