Social Participation Facilitators and Barriers Among Older Adults Residing in Assisted Living.

BACKGROUND

Assisted living facilities are a housing option commonly used for aging adults to promote independence and successful aging. As the older adult population increases, so will the population of older adults residing in assisted living facilities.

OBJECTIVE

To identify the facilitators and barriers to social participation among a cohort of older adults residing in an assisted living facility.

METHODS

The qualitative study employed a phenomenological approach using semi-structured interviews. Using convenience sampling, 20 older adults residing in an assisted living facility took part in the study. The research team transcribed the audio recording verbatim following each interview and conducted a line-by-line analysis using concept coding to identify emerging themes.

RESULTS

Themes involving factors serving as facilitators to social participation included health benefit, camaraderie, and resilience. Themes related to barriers to social participation included health limitations, lack of meaningful activities, and adapted activities.

CONCLUSION

The study provides insight into the facilitators and barriers impacting social participation for older adults residing in an assisted living facility. Study findings support the need for an increased presence of occupational therapy services in assisted living facilities.