Exploring meanings and experiences of wellness from residents living in long-term care homes

Abstract

How wellness is understood and its links to leisure in the long-term care (LTC) context have been rarely considered, particularly from the perspectives of residents. Using participatory action research (PAR), this study addresses a gap in the literature by considering how residents conceptualise wellness and the links to leisure. The PAR team made up of residents, family members and staff within a LTC home collaboratively discussed how to best attain and interpret resident perspectives on wellness and required supports. The findings inform a resident wellness model that emphasises the importance of my relationships, myself, my home and my activities to the wellness of LTC home residents and provide insights into how wellness in LTC homes as well as residents' leisure can be better supported.

Keywords:

• wellness
• leisure
• long-term care
• participatory action research
• older adults
• wellness