Social engagement and its relationship to service provision in residential care and assisted living

The purpose of this study was to categorize the underlying constructs of social activity participation in a residential care and assisted-living population, determine the extent of social engagement and how it varies by facility type, and relate social engagement to service provision. Data were collected for 2,078 residents of 193 facilities in Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, and North Carolina participating in the Collaborative Studies of Long-Term Care. An 11-item scale, the Assisted Living Social Activity Scale, was developed that was composed of three factors: private activities, group activities, and outings. Cognitive and functional status related to participation in these activities, visit and telephone contact, and social withdrawal. In adjusted analyses, differences by facility type were noted, and service provision related to social engagement in all areas except social withdrawal.