Journal of Aging and Health, Ahead of Print.
ObjectivesDespite an increased policy focused on home- and community-based services (HCBS), little is known about their quality of life (QoL)—a key measure of person-centered care. This paper addresses this gap by measuring consumers’ self-reported QoL and identifying factors associated with disparities in QoL.MethodsWe analyzed the 2015–2016 National Core Indicators–Aging and Disability survey for 3426 respondents in Minnesota, using factor analyses to identify latent QoL domains. Multivariable regression models identified predictors of QoL domains.ResultsFactor analyses identified three valid and reliable latent QoL domains: security, self-determination, and care experiences. Younger consumers with disabilities (versus consumers ≥65 years of age), minoritized racial/ethnic groups, consumers with hearing loss, without a spouse/domestic partner, and not living in consumer’s own/family home reported significantly lower QoL in various domains (p < .001).DiscussionDisparities in HCBS consumer-reported QoL exist, necessitating equitable reforms to improve HCBS quality for its increasingly diversified consumer base.