Sense of community and its relationship with psychological well-being in assisted living

Exploring Constraints to Well-Being for Older Adults in Transition Into an Assisted Living Home: A Qualitative Study

Transitions into an assisted living home (ALH) are difficult and may impact the well-being of older adults. A thematic analysis guided by grounded theory was employed to better understand how a transition into an ALH influenced older adults' overall well-being. Individual, face-to-face interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of 14 participants at an ALH in the rural, southeastern U.S. Two central findings that influenced well-being during the transition process were revealed: loss of independence (sub-themes include loss of physical and mental health and loss of driving) and downsizing in space and possessions. The themes support and broaden the Hierarchical Leisure Constraints Theory, a Modified Constraints to Wellbeing model is proposed, and implications for older adult health care practitioners in ALHs are recommended. Further research is needed on the Modified Constraints to Wellbeing model and how to better describe these constraints to older adults' well-being when relocating into ALHs.

Social Connectedness Resource Preferences of Older Adults in Assisted Living: A Scoping Review Based on the WHO-ICF Framework

The current scoping review identified emerging evidence on social connectedness resource preferences of older adults in assisted living facilities (ALFs) and the community. A literature search was performed using several databases. We included review articles published between January 2000 and September 2022 in English and related to social connectedness resources in ALFs and the community. Of 134 titles and abstracts, eight studies were included. Study participants comprised 2,482 older adults from 233 ALFs in the United States. Themes were framed using the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health. For social activities, older adults preferred facility-based recreation and leisure resources. For community social connectedness, residents preferred participation in civic life activities. Participants of older age preferred facility resources, whereas those of younger age preferred more demanding physical activities. Those from larger enrollment facilities preferred facility-based resources compared to community resources. For moderately and less active residents, participation was limited to less demanding activities. Older adults' preferences varied based on age, physical limitations, and size and location of the facility. Findings suggest opportunities for further research on developing ALF- and community-based resources for older adults' social well-being and quality of life. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 49(9), 35-42.].

Depression within the First Year of Relocation to Residential Care/Assisted Living: Where You Come From Matters

Depression is common within the first year of relocation to residential care/assisted living (RC/AL). Yet, few studies investigate the relationship between depression and relocation factors that might help identify at-risk residents, such as previous location. This study analyzed cross-sectional resident data (n = 2651) from the National Survey of Residential Care Facilities to test: (1) group differences between residents relocating from acute/post-acute facilities (e.g., hospital, rehabilitation facility) and community-based residences, and (2) the relationship between previous location and depression within the first year of relocation. The 921 (35%) residents relocating directly from acute/post-acute facilities were more likely to have depression (p < .001) and poorer outcomes on select health and psychosocial variables. After controlling for covariates, relocating directly from an acute/post-acute facility significantly related to depression (OR = 1.22). Findings highlight opportunities to improve routine screening and transitional care for this subpopulation of RC/AL residents at heightened risk for depression.

An Empirical Investigation of the Relationship Between Spirituality, Work Culture, and Burnout: The Need for an Extended Health and Disease Model

Apart from biological, psychological, and social factors, recent studies indicate that spirituality and work culture also play an important role in the onset of burnout. Hence, the commonly applied bio-psycho-social model of health and disease might not be sufficient to comprehensively explain and describe burnout. This study empirically investigates the relationship between spirituality (operationalized by perceived meaningfulness of work) and work culture (operationalized by sense of homeliness of the working environment) with burnout risk and work engagement. For this purpose, an anonymous cross-sectional data collection with fully standardized questionnaires and selected socio-demographic and work-related items was conducted among working adults (n = 439) from different industries via social media and local health service centers. For all scales and subscales, we found significant moderate to strong correlations. Furthermore, positive meaning within the perceived meaningfulness of work scale was the largest beta coefficient for burnout (β = -0.65) and work engagement (β = 0.62). Within sense of homeliness, the largest beta coefficient for burnout was needs fulfillment (β = -0.34) and work engagement emotional connection (β = 0.36). The strong associations suggest that the current health and disease model needs to be expanded to a bio-psycho-socio-spirito-cultural model to be able to sufficiently describe burnout. The perceived meaningfulness of work and a sense of homeliness should be adequately considered when examining the onset of burnout, describing burnout as a concept, and explaining work engagement.

Testing the Factor Structure of the Brief Sense of Community Scale among Black Girls and the Relationship with Ethnic Identity, Empowerment and Social Support

Research on Psychological Sense of Community (SOC) among Black girls are limited due to lack of validated measures for this group. Using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), the first and second-order factor structure of the Brief Sense of Community Scale (BSCS) used to measure Psychological SOC was examined using a sample of Black girls from an urban community (N = 340). Using a regression-based approach, the second-order five-factor model of the BSCS was also examined with intrapersonal psychological empowerment (PE), social support, and ethnic identity as conceptually related variables. Findings support that: (1) psychological SOC can be conceptualized and measured through four dimensions among Black girls; and (2) intrapersonal PE, social support, and ethnic identity were significantly associated with SOC.

The mediating role of interpersonal needs on attitude towards ageing and its relationship with community sense and depression among community-dwelling older adults

This study aimed to determine the impact of community sense, depression and interpersonal needs on attitude towards ageing among older adults. This is a cross-sectional and correlational study. From December 2018 to June 2019, 211 community-dwelling older adults from a mid-sized city in Korea participated in the study. The results showed a significant interpersonal needs path from depression and community sense to attitude towards ageing. When interpersonal needs were mediated, the indirect effect of both depression and community sense on attitude towards ageing was significant. Interpersonal needs had a significant mediating effect on the relationships between attitude towards ageing and community sense and depression. The results of this study showed the effects of socio-psychological factors on attitude towards ageing, which is a known indicator of successful ageing and quality of life improvement in older adults. Based on this study, we suggest that the development of programs to promote successful ageing should include strategies to improve community sense, interpersonal needs fulfilment and interventions to reduce depression.