Aging in place in assisted living: Philosophy versus policy

Purpose: Support of older adults' capacity to age in place is a core concept of the assisted living philosophy. This research ex amined implementation of the aging-in-place philosophy in 1 midwestern state (Kansas). Design and Methods: This study was part of a larger state agency and university collaborative project to examine admission and discharge policies in these settings. Data analysis was conducted with descriptive statistics. Kansas findings were compared to national findings. Results: Residents' capacity to age in place was limited by facility admission and discharge policies that were more restrictive than state regulations in the areas of behavioral problems, incontinence, and cognition. In general, assisted living facility policies in Kansas were more restrictive than admission and discharge policies found nationally. Implications: More inclusive assisted living admission and discharge criteria, and concomitant staffing and funding, are necessary if the aging-in-place philosophy is to be more fully implemented.