A decision support system (called """"""""MATCH"""""""") will be developed to assist in recommending the most appropriate housing option(s) for elderly persons. Phase I will address congregate care facilities. The computer program will incorporate multimedia technologies including an expert system, hypertext and graphics. The system will be built for an IBM-PC compatible computer and is intended to be used by personnel working in agencies and organizations that assist the elderly and their caregivers. The investigators propose to provide users of varying levels of experience with a means of making consistent, reliable recommendations based on complex factors and needs, and allow them to quickly access a comprehensive information base. The investigators intend to provide and to develop a program that will provide an innovative and effective way to assist with a decision making process that is complex and often confusing. The system is also intended to be developed as a """"""""shell"""""""" that can be used by agencies who want to incorporate their own information base.
