Another compelling reason to utilize outcome indicators and customer satisfaction for assisted living is for third party payers that will utilize assisted living services. Managed care is likely to rely more heavily on assisted living in the future. Long term care insurance is another payer with a vested interest in facility outcomes. It is logical to build a system that measures performance in terms that these payers can use. It continues to be very unlikely that any managed care entity is going to enter into a relationship with an assisted living facility simply because that facility did well on a state survey.
Consumers also can benefit from such a system.
Possibly for the first time, consumers will have accurate and tangible information about how well a facility does its jobs. This information, or report card, could be used by current and potential residents and their families to evaluate facility performance. Conclusion Assisted living is an innovative long term care model that is becoming increasingly popular with the public. We are better equipped to serve the elderly and disabled today than previous generations of long term care providers. Medical advancements, gerontological research and technological advancements have given providers powerful new tools, ideas and means for serving the elderly.