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| Author | Roberta Scerri |
| Abstract | Transition to the environment of a residential home has been identified in the literature as the most significant relocation affecting elderly people (Lee 1999, Reed & Morgan 1999, Lee 1997, and Wilson 1997). The aim of the study was to explore the impacts of residential relocation, on the older persons' level of stress and the coping strategies used. A convenient sample of 10 elderly persons was chosen from the local government residential home. An explorative descriptive study using in-depth interviews was used to conduct the study. Informed consent was obtained and interviews were carried out and tape-recorded. The interviews were later on transcribed and analysed using thematic analyses. It was seen that residential relocation had affected the elderly persons in different ways. Responses were ranged from positive, to neutral, and to negative. The commonest stressors identified include: the problems of living together, lack of privacy, lack of space and disturbance from other residents. These were seen as barriers in the adjustment process of the elderly residents. Coping strategies including emotional-focused and problem-focused adaptive strategies were often used by the residents to combat their stress. Additionally, social support was seen essential for the well being of the elderly residents. The study includes a discussion of these findings and the limitations, together with some recommendations for practice. |
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| Key words | Relocation, Stress, Elderly, Thesis, Nursing |