title: Moving to an assisted living facility: exploring the transitional experience of elderly individuals.
abstract: This qualitative study examined the effects of relocating to an assisted living facility in a select sample of elderly individuals. Small group interviews with open-ended discussion allow participants to express feelings about their transitional experi ence and recall situations in their adjustment process. Theme arising from the data included self-motivating factors, ties to the past, independence, affection, and adjustment, which co related with the principles of assisted living. This study revealed a beginning understanding of the experience of moving from a private home to assisted living and provided a framework for a new vision of these residents. Nursing implications are included that offer ways to provide assistance and further facilitate adjustment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing, College of Science and Health, William Paterson University, Wayne, New Jersey 07470, USA.
authors.forename: Janet P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Tracy
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: DeYoung
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged / Q000523:psychology*; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D040561:Assisted Living Facilities; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D005851:Geriatric Nursing / Q000379:methods; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010343:Patient Admission; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires