Older adults' perceptions about relocation to a residential home

Abstract

Globally, the world's population is ageing. This phenomenon might present to the world at large, some concern, especially from an economic perspective. Not only that, but it is also a known fact, that most old people, are frequent users of the nation's health care system, and that when these old people become more frail as time goes by, the decision falls onto the government as where to relocate them (Fennel, Phillipson & Evers, 1988). It is due to a number of reasons that old people decide to relocate to a residential home. This transition to a new environment of a residential home can be one of the most significant events in their life and can be perceived as a negative or a positive event. The purpose of the study was aimed to evaluate older adults' perceptions about the relocation to a residential home. The objectives were aimed to identify the reasons behind their relocation to a residential home, explore older adults' perceptions of the negative and positive effects of this relocation. A total of ten older adults (n=lO), their ages ranging from 60 to 100 years, were conveniently chosen from a public-private and a public residential home. Data collection was obtained through a descriptive study using semi-structured interviews. An informed consent was obtained and the interviews were tape-recorded. As the data was collected, the interviews were transcribed and analyzed using a descriptive analysis, where a number of themes were identified. Loneliness, especially after going through the bereavement of a loved one, medical ailments and the high expenses incurred while residing in a private residential home, were the main reasons given by the sample as to what lead them seek admission into a government home. Mixed feelings in relation to the new environment were felt by most of the participants. This place was not their own private dwelling, but a place that is to be shared by others. New relationships had to be build, both with the carers, but also with the residents. Both positive and negative experiences were relayed such as the positive attitude and the care, whilst the negative aspects relayed were that they expressed lack of privacy and lack of having abiding to the rules. Interestingly to note one resident did not have any negative experiences. Those who had the opportunity to visit the residence prior to admission found it of extreme benefit.