Mixed methods study of social engagement in assisted living communities: challenges and implications for serving older men.
The purpose of the study was to explore unique experiences and challenges for older men in assisted living (AL) communities. Although evidence suggests that men may socialize differently from women, little is known about how social engagement is experienced by men in long-term care settings. A sequential mixed methods design was used in that a quantitative study (N = 82; men = 21) was followed by qualitative in-depth interviews (N = 29; men = 9). Participants were selected from eight AL communities in a Southern state. Results indicate that men's social worlds are limited and AL practices do not favor men's preferences. Practice implications in AL communities are discussed.
Park
Nan Sook
NS
School of Social Work, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33620-6600, USA. nanpark@gmail.com
Knapp
Matthew A
MA
Shin
Hae Jung
HJ
Kinslow
Kathleen M
KM
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D040561:Assisted Living Facilities; D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D005853:Geriatrics; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D054526:Men's Health; D008603:Mental Health; D012737:Sex Factors; D012944:Social Support; D012947:Social Work; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors