Factors Influencing the Physical Activity of Older Adults in Long-Term Care: Administrators’ Perspectives

Abstract

In 2006, the authors conducted a multisite qualitative study in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada to examine organizational and environmental factors that influence physical activity for long-term-care (LTC) residents. The article describes the results of interviews with 9 administrators from nonprofit and for-profit LTC facilities. A content analysis revealed that despite having positive views about the value of physical activity, the administrators encountered challenges related to funding, human resources, and the built (physical) environment. The intersection of staffing issues and challenges in the built environment created less than optimal conditions for physical activity programs. Findings suggest that until there are adequate human and financial resources, it will be difficult to implement evidence-informed physical activity programs for residents in LTC settings in Ontario. A review of provincial LTC standards for physical activity program requirements and the built environment is warranted.

Physical activity promotion in care homes

“…This idea of the need for, what Whitelaw et al (2006) call a "nexus of conditions" was prominent within the literature (Benjamin et al, 2009;Heaven et al, 2010). Within the current study, a number of other 'conditions' or factors which stood to support the implementation of LM were thus identified.…”

“…However, this can often mean bigger work-loads and increased responsibility for staff in order to achieve this (Dawson, 2003). Successful implementation of change initiatives is thus heavily dependent on staff's readiness and receptiveness to change (Benjamin et al, 2009;Fringer et al, 2014;Wu et al, 2012).…”

“…Elements such as, providing support and developing competencies and leadership (amongst others) were found to be 'necessary' conditions for achieving implementation (Whitelaw et al, 2006). Additional literature reviewed also points to a number of pre-conditions for successful implementation into the CH setting; for example, 'adequate human and financial resources' (Benjamin et al, 2009) and a sense of importance of the topic by staff (Heaven et al, 2010).…”

“…PA is seen to play an important role in variously promoting health, wellbeing, independence and 'quality of life' of older adults (Chen, 2009). In spite of this, PA levels among older adults remain relatively low (Benjamin et al, 2009;BHF National Centre for PA and Health, 2014); with this particularly so amongst CH residents (Barber et al, 2015;Benjamin et al, 2011).…”

Suicide among elders: a Durkheimian proposal

“…Without schedules and routines, even the most efficient and wellmeaning staff members would be unable to meet the regulatory demands of the institution. Nursing homes with greater funding can inject greater variety into residents' schedules (Benjamin et al 2009). Thus, underfunded nursing homes and for-profit nursing homes are the most likely to have rigid schedules (Goodson et al 2008;Mitka 2009).…”