Experiences of women with osteoarthritis in assisted living facilities.
OBJECTIVE
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of disability in older adults. To help patients self-manage their arthritis, nurses need a better understanding of experiences of living with arthritis. Many older adults with symptomatic osteoarthritis may reside in supportive housing such as assisted living facilities. Recognizing challenges and symptoms may lead to improved health and quality of life, as well as greater independence, for older adults with osteoarthritis.


METHODS
A naturalistic inquiry design was used to gather data from 23 older women. Transcriptions were analyzed by deconstruction and reconstruction.


RESULTS
Final themes are Restricting and Constricting, with intermediate categories of Not doing because of disability, Not doing by choice, Limiting ability to move without assistive devices, and Living within confining spaces.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings suggest the need for further examination of symptoms, symptom management, and interventions to improve healthcare and quality of life of patients with osteoarthritis.
Baird
Carol L
CL
Indiana University School of Nursing, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, USA. bairdc@iupui.edu
Yehle
Karen S
KS
Schmeiser
Donna
D
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged / Q000523:psychology; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D040561:Assisted Living Facilities / Q000458:organization & administration; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002755:Choice Behavior; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006272:Health Facility Environment; D006801:Humans; D007374:Interior Design and Furnishings; D007389:Internal-External Control; D015146:Midwestern United States; D051346:Mobility Limitation; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009720:Nurse Clinicians / Q000458:organization & administration; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D014930:Women / Q000523:psychology*