Investigating the relationship between coresidence and quality of life in older adults participating in the Money Follows the Person program in Connecticut

Recent findings speak to middle-aged and older adults’ desires to remain in their homes as they age.  However, changes in needs, such as requiring assistance with ADLs and IADLs, may warrant a change in residential environment.  Additionally, initiatives to deinstitutionalize skilled nursing facilities give individuals the opportunity to regain a sense of independence.  For some, living alone is not an option.  Transitioning from a nursing facility into the community presents a unique set of challenges as changes in residential environment may impact individuals’ quality of life.  One area of interest is that of living arrangements – specifically coresidence.  For many older adults, coresidence is an appropriate alternative to residing in a nursing facility.  The present study investigated the relationship between coresidence and quality of life in older adults (N=442, age range: 65-104 years, M= 78.20, SD=8.49) participating in the Money Follows the Person rebalancing and nursing home transition program in Connecticut (operated by the CT Department of Social Services).  We hypothesize that coresidence is positively associated with global quality of life.  In-depth, structured interviews were conducted.  Roughly 38% of participants lived with adult children.  Other predominant living arrangements included: living with a spouse (22%%), living alone (16%), and living with a live-in caregiver (13%).  Preliminary findings suggest that there is an association between liking where you live and getting along with the people you live with, X² (20, N=442) = 0.855, p =.00.  Additional analyses investigate relationships between coresidence and: self-rated health, community integration, family relationships, and symptoms of depression.