Assessing Older Persons' Readiness to Move to Independent Congregate Living

Abstract

Older adults are increasingly choosing to relocate to congregate-type independent living communities. Relocation to an independent living community is a late-life transition that is considered a stressful life event. Although relocation to an independent living community offers potential benefits, many older persons have difficulties during this transition, including poor adjustment, loneliness, and depression. All of these are associated with poorer health, higher healthcare costs, increased risk of institutionalization, and increased morbidity and mortality. This article provides guidelines for assessing the readiness of an older person to move to an independent living community and implications for advanced practice nurses whose role encompasses promoting the health and well-being of older adults. Using the assessment guidelines, the advanced practice nurse can identify older persons at risk for difficulty during relocation and intervene with guidance and strategies to promote positive relocation adjustment.

GIS-measured walkability, transit, and recreation environments in relation to older Adults' physical activity: A latent profile analysis

“…Designing communities with activity-supportive features or incorporating additional features into existing communities is especially important to an aging population because of the cost and risks associated with the relocation of older adults. 50 These improvements can also increase home values and decrease expenses related to car ownership, which can ease financial burdens associated with transition to an assisted living or long-term care facility, when or if it becomes necessary. 51,52 …”

Psychometric Properties of the Pressure to Move Scale in Relocated American Older Adults: Further Evaluation

“…It is estimated that 23% of older adults will experience relocation (Rossen, 2007). While relocation can be stressful for all ages, it is more stressful for elders because of their limited coping resources (Hertz, Koren, Rosetti, & Roberston, 2008).…”

“…While relocation can be stressful for all ages, it is more stressful for elders because of their limited coping resources (Hertz, Koren, Rosetti, & Roberston, 2008). Relocation can lead to depression, anxiety, a sense of devalued self, and poor self-rated health (Rossen, 2007;2003, 2007). Yet, many relocated older adults feel more secure and less lonely as a result of relocation (Bekhet, Zauszniewski, & Nakhla, 2009;Reed & Roskell Payton, 1996;Rossen, 2007); they also describe the discovery of new love and affection and a strengthening of the family union (Smith & Bengston, 1979).…”

“…The population of older adults in the US is increasing rapidly, and their number is projected to increase to 71 million by the year 2030 (Rossen, 2007). It is estimated that 23% of older adults will experience relocation (Rossen, 2007).…”

Comparing the Support-Efficacy Model among Centenarians Living in Private Homes, Assisted Living Facilities, and Nursing Homes

“…Such a move often includes cognitive, affective, and physical stressors. Often, a move is perceived as loss of independence and is not preferred to the private home, but is preferred relative to entering a nursing home [38, 40, 67]. These decisions and associated stressors also apply when moving from an assisted living facility to a nursing home.…”