title: Beyond the rhythm and routine: adjusting to life in assisted living.
abstract: In Western countries, demographic trends indicate an increase in the aging population well into the next century. Because of declining health, many older adults will benefit from residence in assisted living (AL). The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the experience and contextual influences in everyday decision-making of four older adults in AL using a case study method. Several themes emerged as significant in older adult satisfaction with everyday decision-making (i.e., trigger event, level of physical functioning, inside and outside support systems, past patterns of decision-making). Strategies for assessing and strengthening these contextually relevant factors are discussed.
authors.affiliation: University of Kansas School of Nursing, Kansas City 66160, USA.
authors.forename: Diane
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kennedy
authors.forename: Eldonna
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Sylvia
authors.forename: Wegdan
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Bani-Issa
authors.forename: Wejdan
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Khater
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Forbes-Thompson
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D040561:Assisted Living Facilities / Q000592:standards*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003657:Decision Making; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D033262:Narration; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010343:Patient Admission / Q000592:standards*; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D036301:Qualitative Research; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires