Everyday doings in a nursing home – described by residents and staff

Abstract

Objective: For many groups of elderly people it is important to be active, which can be hindered by disabilities that come with age. Research has progressed in this area but mostly concerns the elderly living at home. The aim of this study was to examine how residents and staff at a nursing home described the residents’ everyday doings. Methods: A nursing home was selected in which 15 of the residents and six of the staff were interviewed about the residents’ activities during an ordinary day and week. Results: The material was analysed using qualitative content analysis in which two categories emerged: shared doings and individual doings. The shared doings were important for supporting the residents in their social and physical activities, but participation in these was often hampered by reduced functions. The individual doings, where the residents’ own interests can be promoted, were also hampered by their disabilities. Being able to be active and having something to do were emphasized, either continuing with previous activities or participating in shared activities at the nursing home. Conclusions: Receiving care and being forced to adjust to the context at the nursing home had a significant impact on the residents’ daily doings. Most of the residents needed help to be able to continue performing their activities or to find new ones. The social environment consisting of other residents and staff also influenced the residents’ activities.

Key words:

• qualitative method
• participation
• occupational therapy
• aged
• activity

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to express their gratitude to all the participants who were willing to share their views of everyday life at a nursing home and who made this study possible. This article is based on revised and elaborated material from the first author’s master’s thesis.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.