Prevalence and Predictors of Unmet Functional Care Needs in Assisted Living Facilities

Prevalence and predictors of activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) unmet care needs of seniors in assisted living facilities were investigated with interview data collected from 201 residents in 55 randomly selected facilities. Variables were ADL and IADL unmet needs and potential predictors of dependency in ADL and IADL, age, family visits, facility size, and social environment. Approximately 45% of residents reported at least 1 ADL or IADL unmet need. Predictors of unmet needs were higher impairment in ADL and IADL and a lower cohesive social environment. Extra care to residents with more severe impairments and positive staff-resident relations may reduce unmet needs.