Jennifer C Morgan1,2, Candace L Kemp1,3, Christina Barmon4, Andrea Fitzroy3, Mary M Ball1. 1. Gerontology Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, USA. 2. Byrdine F. Lewis School of Nursing and Health Professions, Georgia State University, Atlanta, USA. 3. Department of Sociology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, USA. 4. Department of Sociology, Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Assisted living (AL) residents often manage multiple chronic conditions, functional and/or cognitive decline along with their individual needs and preferences for a full life. Although residents participate in their own care, little is known about their self-care activities and how to support them. This analysis focuses on residents' self-care and theorizing the dynamic, socially embedded process of negotiating self-care. METHODS: We analyze data from a grounded theory study informed by the Convoys of Care model. Participants included 50 focal residents and 169 paid and unpaid convoy members in eight AL homes; each resident convoy was followed up for 2 years. Data collection included participant observation, interviews, and resident record review. RESULTS: To the extent possible, most AL residents were involved in self-care related to activities of daily living, health promotion, and social, emotional, and mental well-being. Residents and care partners engaged in a dynamic process of limiting and promoting self-care activities. Multiple factors influenced self-care, including residents' past self-care behaviors, caregiver fear and availability, and the availability of services and supports. DISCUSSION: Strategies for promoting self-care must involve residents and care partners and include convoy education in collaborative goal-setting, prioritizing care that supports the goals, and putting resources in place to support goal achievement.
OBJECTIVES: Assisted living (AL) residents often manage multiple chronic conditions, functional and/or cognitive decline along with their individual needs and preferences for a full life. Although residents participate in their own care, little is known about their self-care activities and how to support them. This analysis focuses on residents' self-care and theorizing the dynamic, socially embedded process of negotiating self-care. METHODS: We analyze data from a grounded theory study informed by the Convoys of Care model. Participants included 50 focal residents and 169 paid and unpaid convoy members in eight AL homes; each resident convoy was followed up for 2 years. Data collection included participant observation, interviews, and resident record review. RESULTS: To the extent possible, most AL residents were involved in self-care related to activities of daily living, health promotion, and social, emotional, and mental well-being. Residents and care partners engaged in a dynamic process of limiting and promoting self-care activities. Multiple factors influenced self-care, including residents' past self-care behaviors, caregiver fear and availability, and the availability of services and supports. DISCUSSION: Strategies for promoting self-care must involve residents and care partners and include convoy education in collaborative goal-setting, prioritizing care that supports the goals, and putting resources in place to support goal achievement.
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