‘100 metres to the liquor store and 300 meters to the cemetery’ – individual, social, environmental and organisational facilitators and barriers to thriving in Swedish sheltered housing models

Abstract

In Sweden, sheltered housing is a housing model that provides accessible apartments with elevated social possibilities for older people. The environment within sheltered housing is expected to support resident health and reduce the need for care services. A previous study has shown that with increasing levels of depressive mood and decreasing levels of self-rated health and functional status, those residing in sheltered housing report higher levels of thriving compared to those ageing in place. Therefore, the aim of this study was to illuminate aspects of sheltered housing that are facilitators and/or barriers to thriving. Seven semi-structured group interviews in five different sheltered housing accommodations in Sweden were conducted between April 2019 and January 2020 (N = 38). The results, analysed using qualitative content analysis and presented in a model developed by Grol and Wensing, illuminate the four main categories of facilitators and barriers to thriving: individual factors, social context, environmental factors and organisational context. The results of this study show that the factors that influence experiences of thriving in sheltered housing are multifaceted and interconnected. Although the supportive environment provided in sheltered housing seems to contribute to thriving, the limited consideration towards the shifting health of residents is a barrier to thriving. The results of this study may assist in implementing tailored interventions to help support thriving on various levels.

Relocation Patterns and Predictors of Relocation and Mortality in Swedish Sheltered Housing and Aging in Place

“…However, a previous study on the same sample has shown that, despite no differences in self-reported wellbeing, those residing in sheltered housing generally reported higher levels of thriving compared to those aging in place, when experiencing decreasing levels of self-rated health and functional status and increasing level of depressive mood (Corneliusson et al, 2019a). Furthermore, a qualitative study on thriving in Swedish sheltered housing found four levels of facilitators and barriers to thriving in Swedish sheltered housing; individual factors, social context, environmental factors and organizational context (Corneliusson et al, 2021). These results of previous studies imply that there are features within sheltered housing that support thriving and are appreciated by residents: however, further studies are needed to determine if, how and to what extent the features that facilitate thriving can potentially support residents despite decreasing health or increased loneliness and/or vice versa; that perceived accessibility of support is a strong predictor of thriving.…”