Citation

Yeager KM. Activ. Adapt. Aging 1996; 20(2): 1-11.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1996, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1300/J016v20n02_01

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Residency acceptance guidelines for independent living facilities develop around either current staff and resident attitudes of independence, and/or established legally documented guidelines. This paper attempts to assess "well" older adults' perceptions of independence by means of a questionnaire, and to clarify and define guidelines for physical and mental deficits which might challenge residency requirements in independent living facilities. A study was conducted at a senior center located in a large Midwestern metropolitan area. The 31 participants consisted of 81 % (N = 25) female and 19% (N = 6) male older adults, with an average age of 76 for women and 75 for men. A 20-item fixed response questionnaire using a 5-point Likert scale was administered, covering topics such as incontinence, ambulatory aides, communication deficits, and sensory loss. Sixteen guidelines were developed, based primarily on national safety codes and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and secondarily on "well" older adults' perceptions of independence. Recommendations for future guideline development and implementation were made.