Rooms without Rules: Shaping Policies for Assisted Living Facilities

A burgeoning aging population, the desire of elders to “age in place,” and changes in family structure that leave elders with limited family supports have generated great interest in assisted living. Many baby boomers have the means to afford assisted living either for themselves or their aging family members. Additionally, in an effort to contain skyrocketing Medicaid expenditures, policy makers are interested in alternatives to nursing home care. As the number of assisted living facilities soars, calls for regulation are growing. Nurses have much to contribute to the formation of federal, state, and local assisted living policies. In particular, knowledge of regulatory issues and the agenda-setting process can enhance nursing’s influence in assisted living policy making. This article describes the issues surrounding policy making for assisted living with an eye toward promoting the role of nurses in this important policy area.