REALITIES OF DIVERSITY, INCLUSION, AND BELONGING IN ASSISTED LIVING: SAFETY, CONNECTION, AND COMMUNITY
2024

Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging in Assisted Living

Sample size: 68 publication

Author Information

Author(s): Kohon Jacklyn, Himes Dani, Dys Sarah

Primary Institution: Portland State University

Hypothesis

How can workplace diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging promote well-being in assisted living settings?

Conclusion

The study found that discrimination is prevalent in assisted living settings, affecting the well-being of staff and residents.

Supporting Evidence

  • Care staff face discrimination, physical and verbal abuse from residents and colleagues.
  • Those experiencing discrimination or not belonging were more likely to be from a minoritized group.
  • There is inconsistency in the existence, awareness, and currentness of diversity, equity, and inclusion policies.
  • Company culture can support feelings of connection and belonging among staff.
  • Care staff rely on peers and coworkers for support.
  • Workplaces need infrastructure that reflects language diversity of residents and care staff.

Takeaway

This study talks about how important it is for everyone in assisted living homes to feel included and safe, and how some people face unfair treatment.

Methodology

The study involved individual and focus group interviews with various stakeholders in assisted living settings.

Participant Demographics

Participants included 25 direct care staff, 9 former direct care staff, 9 administrators, 7 management representatives, and 18 current residents from 23 AL/RC communities.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.3885

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication