Understanding Variation in Resident Needs and Services in Homes for Adults.

Long term care in the U.S. has been influenced greatly by the emergence and growth of alternatives to traditional nursing homes. Adult homes provide personal care and assistance to an increasing number of elderly and represent a growth sector of long term care services. However, adult homes have not been discussed widely in the healthcare literature. This paper summarizes findings from a study of adult homes and profiles their operating characteristics, services, and resident needs. Findings indicate differences between licensed and unlicensed homes for adults in terms of the needs of their residents, use of external resources and referral to other sources of care. Implications for coordination of care for the elderly are addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]