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From retirement village to residential aged care: what older people and their families say
Author(s) -
Cheek Julianne,
Ballantyne Alison,
Byers Loretta,
Quan James
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
health and social care in the community
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.984
H-Index - 68
eISSN - 1365-2524
pISSN - 0966-0410
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2524.2006.00646.x
Subject(s) - independence (probability theory) , retirement community , gerontology , aged care , older people , health care , qualitative research , aging in place , population , population ageing , psychology , business , socioeconomics , economic growth , medicine , sociology , environmental health , economics , social science , statistics , mathematics
The majority of older Australians, some of whom live in retirement villages, wish to remain living in their own home, receiving care in the community when their health and/or other circumstances change. Current statistics show that 3.7% of people aged 65 years and over live in a retirement village in Australia. However, residential aged care will still be required for some highly dependent members of the older population. This qualitative Australian study examined the transition into residential care from one form of community housing, the retirement village. In‐depth interviews with 33 older people and 48 family members were conducted to illuminate the key issues and factors which influence the move of older people from retirement villages to residential aged care. Analysis of the data revealed the move to be influenced by: health‐related crises; the creation of doubt as to ability to cope in the retirement village; the need for more or different care or support services; the desire for independence; assumptions about being able to move into the residential aged care facility co‐located with the retirement village; availability of a place; navigating the system; and desirable aspects of a residential aged care facility. The findings of the study provide a description of the transition process from the perspectives of those directly affected, and contribute to the development of best practice in the provision of support to residents living in retirement villages and the community in general.