Taking care of our elders: an initial study of an assisted-living facility for American Indians.

The present study is an initial exploration of the psychological well-being of residents of an assisted-living facility (ALF) designed and managed for elders of an American Indian tribe. A total of 56 tribal member elders, including 13 facility residents and 43 nonresidents, completed scales measuring happiness, quality of life, perceived social support, and loneliness. In addition, 5 residents participated in one-on-one interviews. Compared to nonresidents, facility residents reported significantly greater happiness and perceived social support and significantly less loneliness. Furthermore, loneliness was found to mediate the relationship between ALF residence and happiness. Interviews with the residents revealed four themes related to the ALF that contribute to the residents' well-being. Although this study is limited by its small sample size, it indicates that tribally owned and/or managed ALFs may be a good long-term care option for many American Indian elders. Further investigation of long-term care options for American Indian elders is needed.