The Emerging Role of Health Care Supervisors in Assisted Living

Abstract

Historically, the assisted living (AL) industry has promoted a social, non-medical model of care. Rising health acuity of residents within AL, however, has brought about the need for providing increased health care services. This article examines the key staff role related to health care provision and oversight in AL, described as the health care supervisor. It briefly describes individuals in this role (N = 90) and presents their perspectives regarding their roles and responsibilities as the health care point person within this non-medical environment. Qualitative analyses identified four themes as integral to this position: administrative functions, supervision of care staff, provision of clinical and direct care, and clinical care coordination and communication. The article concludes with recommendations for AL organizations and practice of the emerging health care supervisor role in AL.

Figures

Exhibit 4. Health Care Supervisor Conceptual Framework

Beyond the aforementioned four themes, a subtheme across HCSs was the sense that the primary medical care providers generally lacked understanding of the scope and limitations of AL health care services (Exhibit 5). This lack of provider understanding was repeatedly reported and, at times, perhaps seen as a challenge to efficiently carrying out their roles and responsibilities in coordinating care services.