Older Adult Transitions into Long-Term Care: A Meta-Synthesis.

As older adults age, they often experience health changes that require the need for long-term care (LTC). Transition to LTC can be stressful and lead to a further decline in health. The purpose of the current meta-synthesis was to provide an appraisal of older adults' transition experiences to LTC. This systemic appraisal included current qualitative research on these experiences, with analysis of the data guided by the middle range theory of transition. Three amalgamated themes were identified: (a) painful loss that requires a mourning process, (b) seeking stability through gaining autonomy to sustain a new sense of self, and (c) acceptance when a unique inner balance is reached. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 43(3), 41-49.]. Copyright 2016, SLACK Incorporated.