Adaptation by Elders to New Living Arrangements Following Hospitalization: A Qualitative, Retrospective Analysis

Abstract

Relocation experience emerged as a major finding from two previous studies that tracked elders in the community after discharge from a transitional unit. This study involved follow-up of 5 elders from the two previous studies who relocated to a variety of new living arrangements. Purposes were (a) to identify how decisions were made to change living arrangements, (b) to describe the process of adaptation to relocation as it evolved over time including challenges and strategies used to address them, and (c) to identify indicators of effective adaptation. A phenomenological approach based on interviews, observations, and comparative analysis was used to capture the insiders' views of these elders. An account of each individual adaptive process was developed. Comparison across cases led to two major themes—sense of place and sense of self—which are proposed as indicators of effective adaptation. Implications of findings for service provision, public policy, and future research are examined.