Date of Award
1994
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Abstract
As individuals live longer, relocation to a more supportive environment will eventually be a necessity for the growing numbers of "frail elderly". Relocation and housing for the elderly become important health and social issues.;This study was designed to explore a comprehensive model of the relocation experience. It postulated that three categories of variables: personal and demographic characteristics; process of relocation; and environment comparability have a potential bearing on relocation outcome.;The research was conducted through interviews of 120 elderly persons. They were cognitively able, and newly relocated from their home to one of 21 homes for the aged in the Metropolitan Toronto and surrounding area. The majority were over eighty years of age, female and widowed. They were well educated and perceived themseLves to be healthy. Most had relocated from an apartment where they had lived alone, and felt relatively satisfied. Following relocation which had occurred between 11 and 21 weeks prior to the interview, there was an expression of satisfaction with the new environment, overall life satisfaction, and little evidence of depressive symptomatology.;The strength and direction of the relationships between determinant variables and relocation outcome were explored using simple and partial correlational analyses and regression analysis. The primary relocation outcome measure was satisfaction with nursing home. Secondary outcome measures were depressive symptomatology, and life satisfaction.;Each of the categories of determinant variables that made up the conceptual model of the relocation experience was, in some way, associated with the primary relocation outcome. As hypothesized, health was indirectly related to relocation outcome. The relocation process index and information demonstrated both direct and indirect relationships with the outcome variable. The environment comparability variable was directly associated with the outcome variable and identified as having the strongest association with relocation outcome. Findings also supported the hypothesized relationships between the outcome variables.;The results of the study reinforced the need for additional research to include pre and post relocation measures, and to further delineate relevant determinant variables and their inter-relationships. Furthermore, the study conclusions identified important issues in policy formation related to housing of the elderly.
Recommended Citation
Bajnok, Irmajean, "Determinants Of Satisfaction In Elderly Persons Recently Relocated From Their Home To A Home For The Aged" (1994). Digitized Theses. 2339.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/digitizedtheses/2339