title: Women's well-being after relocation to independent living communities.
abstract: Late-life relocation to independent living communities is increasing, especially among women. This study described the impact of relocation on the health and well-being of 31 older women who moved from a private residence to an independent living community. Schumacher and Meleis' (1994) nursing model of transition guided the study. Health status, social activity, self-esteem, depression, and quality of life were measured pre- and postmove. Post-move women reported a significant increase in engagement in social activities and higher quality of life. Participants' levels of self-esteem, depression, and quality of life were found to correspond with three relocation transition styles: full integration, partial integration, and minimal integration. These preliminary findings suggest that nurses who identify older women with low self-esteem, high depressive symptoms, and low quality of life pre-move may be at risk for poor relocation outcomes. Interventions to ease the transition process and improve relocation adjustment are needed.
authors.affiliation: University of North Carolina, School of Nursing, Greensboro, NC 27402-6170, USA. eileen_rossen@uncg.edu
authors.forename: Eileen K
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Rossen
authors.forename: Kathleen A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Knafl
mesh_terms: D040561:Assisted Living Facilities; D003863:Depression; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D011788:Quality of Life; D012649:Self Concept; D014930:Women / Q000523:psychology*