The Who, Why, Where, and How of Moving into Assisted Living: Older Adults’ Decision-Making Process for Relocation

Abstract

The aim of this study is to understand older adult decision-making processes and feelings regarding moving into assisted living facilities. Residents of assisted living facilities in Southern California (n = 46) were interviewed about why they moved, who was involved in the process, what factors they considered, and how they feel about their decision. Participants reported that changes in health, desire for social support, and anticipation for future needs were factors for moving. Most participants were involved in the decision, and focused on factors such as affordability, proximity to family, familiarity, amenities, and access to activities when choosing a facility. Overall, most participants shared positive or ambivalent feelings and very few participants shared negative feelings about their decision.

Keywords:

• Assisted living
• decision-making
• older adults
• relocation

Acknowledgments

The researchers would like to acknowledge the work of student research assistants who were integral to the data collection process: Kathleen Harrell, Tatia Clark, and Adriana Weathersby.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).