Research output: Contribution to Journal/Magazine › Journal article › peer-review
Research output: Contribution to Journal/Magazine › Journal article › peer-review
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TY - JOUR
T1 - A narrative exploration of older people’s transitions into residential care
AU - Lee, Victoria S. P.
AU - Simpson, Jane
AU - Froggatt, Katherine
PY - 2013
Y1 - 2013
N2 - 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.
AB - 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.
KW - Adaptation, Psychological
KW - Aged
KW - Aged, 80 and over
KW - Emotions
KW - England
KW - Female
KW - Homes for the Aged
KW - Humans
KW - Interviews as Topic
KW - Life Change Events
KW - Male
KW - Narration
KW - Nursing Homes
KW - Personal Autonomy
KW - Qualitative Research
KW - Quality of Life
KW - Self Concept
U2 - 10.1080/13607863.2012.715139
DO - 10.1080/13607863.2012.715139
M3 - Journal article
C2 - 22913579
VL - 17
SP - 48
EP - 56
JO - Aging and Mental Health
JF - Aging and Mental Health
SN - 1360-7863
IS - 1
ER -