Voices of elders: culture and person factors of residents admitted to long-term care facilities.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to investigate person and environment factors of elders that facilitate adaptation to relocation to long-term care skilled nursing facilities. Results represent findings from Phase 1 of three phases of a 2-year study to develop and test a cultural heritage intervention to improve adaptation to nursing home relocation.

DESIGN

Qualitative interviews were conducted with 23 newly admitted Caucasians and African Americans residing in skilled nursing facilities.

FINDINGS/RESULTS: Themes that emerged include (a) spirituality, death and dying, and philosophy of life; (b) life experiences with change; (c) cultural heritage; (d) health; (e) ethnicity; (f) social support, family and friends; (g) long-term care facility (LTCF) relationships; (h) LTCF system maintenance; and (i) LTCF support of personal growth. Comparison of African Americans and Caucasians showed more similarities than differences between the groups.

DISCUSSION

Implications for research, clinical practice, and cultural heritage interventions for LTCF adaptation are discussed.