title: "Maintaining connections but wanting more": the continuity of familial relationships among assisted-living residents.
abstract: Social support is a key component of well-being for older adults, particularly for those who have moved from independent living to assisted living involving a transformation of roles, relationships, and responsibilities. Twenty-nine assisted-living facility residents were interviewed to understand the perceived continuity of relationships with family and friends. An inductive approach to thematic analysis revealed 1 main theme and 3 subthemes. The main theme that emerged was: maintaining connections but wanting more. Residents appreciated maintaining connections with family and friends, but often expressed feelings of discontentment with the continuity of former relationships. The subthemes included: appreciating family and friends, waiting for more, and losing control. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Social Work, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia 22030, USA. ctompkin@gmu.edu
authors.forename: Catherine J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Tompkins
authors.forename: Emily S
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Ihara
authors.forename: Alison
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cusick
authors.forename: Nan Sook
authors.initials: NS
authors.lastname: Park
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000407:Alabama; D040561:Assisted Living Facilities; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D005195:Family Relations; D005260:Female; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D013637:Tape Recording