Social Engagement in Assisted Living and Implications for Practice

Abstract

While it is known that social engagement is important for the well-being of older people, its role among residents in assisted living (AL) residences has not been well explored. The purposes of this study were to explore the experiences of social engagement among AL residents and explain its components and processes as unique to this setting. Qualitative data were collected via semistructured, in-depth interviews with 29 residents in four AL residences in a Southern state. Salient themes were derived using the grounded theory approach. Findings revealed the complexity of social engagement and were organized around five themes related to characteristics of desired social relationships, the perspective of time and loss, barriers to and resources for social engagement, and strategies to develop or modify relationships. AL providers could make concerted efforts to develop practices to provide residents with more social and emotional resources and help them engage in meaningful social interactions.

The Impact of Activity Interventions on the Well-Being of Older Adults in Continuing Care Communities

“…One way research proposes building new social networks is through participation in activities (Ball et al, 2000; Park, 2009; Park, Zimmerman, Kinslow, Shin, & Roff, 2012). By participating in various activities offered in AICs, residents are able to meet new people and begin to build new social networks.…”

You Can Teach an Old Dog New Tricks

“…This can have profound negative effects on perceived quality of life (Adams et al, 2004). Some residents may even resist investing in new friendships because of awareness of the “limited time” they have left (Carstensen Fung, & Charles, 2003) and primarily devote effort to the maintenance of previous relationships (Park, Zimmerman, Kinslow, Shin, & Roth, 2010) which have more “immediate confirmation” with less effort required (Melenhorst, Rogers, & Caylor, 2001, p.221). In short, social barriers are the cognitive and social constraints, real or perceived, that may result in reduced social connection and reduced quality of life.…”

Correlates of Attitudes Toward Personal Aging in Older Assisted Living Residents

“…Interestingly, experiencing negative life events seem to affect attitudes toward own aging only through altering health perceptions. It is also important to note that health characteristics such as hearing or functional impairment may be particularly salient for those in AL settings because such impairments can impede the engagement in meaningful social interactions, which in turn are one of the critical components in building positive attitudes toward aging and health (Dobbs et al, 2008;Park et al, 2012).…”

“…In contrast, social resourcefulness, such as satisfaction with one's residence and strong perceived social support, may promote morale and quality of life (Jang, Bergman, Schonfeld, & Molinari, 2006;Park, 2009;Perkins, Ball, Whittington, & Hollingsworth, 2012;Street, Burge, Quadagno, & Barrett, 2007). Evidence indicates that when residents are meaningfully involved in a facility that promotes choices and autonomy, their quality of life and emotional well-being are enhanced (Abrahamson, Bradley, Morgan, Fulton, & Ibrahimou, 2013;Ball et al, 2000;Park, Zimmerman, Kinslow, Shin, & Roff, 2012). As a consequence, resident satisfaction may lead to a greater sense of belonging and reduced loneliness (McLaren, Turner, Gomez, McLachlan, & Gibbs, 2013;Prieto-Flores, Forjaz, Fernandez-Mayoralas, Rojo-Perez, & Martinez-Martin, 2011).…”