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

Abstract

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.