The effects of organizational context on autonomy-enhancing policies in assisted living

    Authors

    E. Sikorska-Simmons

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    J. Aging Stud.

    Keywords

    SATISFACTION; INDEPENDENCE; RESIDENTS; PEOPLE; HOMES; Gerontology

    Abstract

    This study examines the effects of facility size, ownership, chain membership, and residents' characteristics on autonomy-enhancing policies in assisted living. The theoretical framework for the study is based on the open systems perspective, which views organizations as being influenced by environmental context (e.g., ownership and chain membership). Data were collected from interviews with administrators of 60 facilities in Maryland. Autonomy-enhancing policies were assessed with the MEAP Policy Choice and Resident Control scales. Facility size and residents' disability were strong predictors of autonomy-enhancing policies (R-2=.39, p < .001). Higher levels of policies that foster resident autonomy were associated with larger facility size (beta=.54, p < .001) and lower residents' disability (beta=.23, p < .05). Chain membership had an indirect influence on autonomy-enhancing via facility size and residents' disability. Chain-related facilities were larger, and their residents were: less disabled. The study contributes to a better understanding of the mechanism through which organizational factors influence resident-oriented policies. (c) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

    Journal Title

    Journal of Aging Studies

    Volume

    20

    Issue/Number

    3

    Publication Date

    1-1-2006

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    217

    Last Page

    226

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000239712200003

    ISSN

    0890-4065

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