Gerontological Nursing Interventions Research Center (GNIRC)

Title: Relocation to Congregate Living: Older Men's Outcomes
Principal Investigator: Eileen Rossen, PhD, RN
Study Site: Indiana University

Abstract
Although elders prefer independent, community living, both urban and rural elders face serious challenges to maintaining independence. Increasingly elders relocated to congregate living facilities (CLF) to receive the support they need to remain in the community and outside of institutions. A longitudinal study of elderly women who moved to CLF revealed three distinct relocation transtion styles (Full Integration, Partial Integration, and Minimal Integration). Also, three factors - appraisal of the move, preparation for the move, and relocation-related social support - were found to differentiate relocations outcomes related to quality of life. The purpose of the mixed methods multi-site cross-sectional study is to describe and compare the relocation transition styles (RTS) of recently moved older men to the RTS of the previous sample of women. The Nursing Model of Transitions provides the theoretical perspective. Four structured measures - a Demographic Information Form, Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale, the Geriatric Depression Scale, and the Quality of Life Index - will be administered. A subsample of 10 men will be interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Transcripts of the interviews will be coded, analyzed, and compared with the findings of the previous study with women. Additionally, men's quantitative data will be compared with the previous findings of women using independent t-tests. This study is an essential step in a program of research that will develop and test interventions to enhance quality of life in elders, who are relocating in increasing numbers to CLF.