Summary of relevance
- •Problem: Limited research has explored older people's experience of community engagement within the aged care community and the wider community.
- •What is Already Known
- •People receiving aged care services are not always supported to engage within aged care and the wider community.
- •What this Paper Adds
- •Findings highlight that in residential aged care, staff provide the main connection for residents within aged care and the wider community. In independent living communities, people value independence. Nurses and care staff and aged care providers have a key role in helping older people stay connected. Strategies to promote engagement must be appropriate and meaningful to people in aged care.
Abstract
Background
Engagement and social connection are key elements of a meaningful life however the
current aged care system does not universally foster community connectedness. Limited
research has explored community engagement from the perspective of older people in
aged care.
Aim
To explore older people's perceptions of community engagement in aged care.
Methods
A qualitative exploratory descriptive approach involving individual interviews and
focus groups
Setting
A large not-for-profit aged care provider in Victoria and Tasmania, Australia.
Participants
Twenty-eight older adults living in residential aged care (n = 23) and independent
living units (n = 5).
Findings
Four themes were identified: (i) a new home; (ii) opportunities to engage in aged
care; (iii) connecting with the wider community, and; (iv) social connection to community.
Discussion
Participants perceived community as being characterised by the notion of home, that
is, the place where they lived. Being socially connected to a community was important
and benefits included being with people to avoid being alone, reconnecting with the
wider community and having positive social connections. Opportunities for engagement
were either created for, or by them. In residential aged care, staff facilitated engagement
opportunities using a one-size-fits-all approach. This approach was deemed to be unsuitable.
People from independent living units, although not completely removed from the wider
community, desired to maintain their independence and be part of the wider community.
Conclusions
Understanding older people's perceptions of community engagement in aged care can
support development of appropriate, applicable and meaningful strategies to promote
engagement and socialisation within aged care and the wider community.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: July 18, 2022
Accepted:
June 28,
2022
Received in revised form:
June 9,
2022
Received:
April 11,
2022
Identification
Copyright
© 2022 Australian College of Nursing Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
