A narrative exploration of older people’s transitions into residential care

Lee, Victoria S. P. and Simpson, Jane and Froggatt, Katherine (2013) A narrative exploration of older people’s transitions into residential care. Aging and Mental Health, 17 (1). pp. 48-56. ISSN 1360-7863

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Abstract

Objectives: Moving into residential care has been argued to be a significant life transition for older people, often resulting in stress and anxiety. This research aimed to explore qualitatively older people's experiences of this transition, including how relocation is reflected upon and incorporated into their personal narratives. Method: Eight older adults (65–97 years) living in a residential facility for between three and 12 months participated in interviews focussed on their experiences of relocating to a residential care home. Results: Narrative analysis revealed that rather than depicting time bound stages of transition, participants’ experiences reflected key plots of ‘control’, ‘power’, ‘identity’ and ‘uncertainty’ interwoven throughout their narratives. Participants experienced some difficulties in incorporating this transition into their life stories. Furthermore, participants discussed not feeling confident in their decision to move, living in constant fear of losing their memory, and limited expectations for their future. Conclusion: Professionals should move away from considering transition as a stage-based process ending in acceptance, instead focussing on how residents perceive relocation in relation to previous life experiences, unspoken fears evoked by moving and how the environment and relationships with staff may be altered to assist residents in maintaining their identity and sense of control.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
Aging and Mental Health
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/2900/2909
Subjects:
?? adaptation, psychologicalagedaged, 80 and overemotionsenglandfemalehomes for the agedhumansinterviews as topiclife change eventsmalenarrationnursing homespersonal autonomyqualitative researchquality of lifeself conceptgerontologygeriatrics and gerontology ??
ID Code:
56463
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
30 Jul 2012 13:34
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
15 Jul 2024 13:04