Are the Leisure and Social Needs of Older Adults Residing in Assisted Living Facilities Being Met?

Abstract

Aims: This retrospective study explored if there was a change in participation in leisure activities among older adults after transitioning into an assisted living facility. Supports and barriers to leisure and social engagement were also investigated. Methods: The Activity Card Sort (modified) was administered to explore and compare the participants’ engagement in leisure and social activities prior to and after moving into an assisted living facility. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to examine the participants’ perspectives regarding the current supports and barriers to engagement in their individual and meaningful interests. Results: Quantitative data gathered from the Activity Card Sort (modified) revealed the participants engaged in only 34.13% of the activities they participated in prior to moving into an assisted living facility; results also revealed that only 42% of the participants engaged in a new leisure activity after moving into an assisted living facility. Qualitative data revealed four themes concerning supports and barriers to participation: physical abilities, social supports, available resources, and personal influences. Conclusion: Older adults in assisted living facilities face a decline in engagement in leisure participation and may be at risk for occupational deprivation. Occupational therapists are well-suited to address these concerns.

Keywords:

• Older adults
• assisted living
• leisure
• social participation
• occupational engagement

Acknowledgements

Researchers would like to thank the residents who volunteered their time and the facilities that supported the conduction of this study.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no declarations of interest.