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Insights on Wellness from CCRC Residents: A Focus Group Study
Mihaela A. Popa
2003
Full Report (PDF, 28 pages)
This project is a case study examining independent living residents in a continuing care retirement community (CCRC). This study, based on a series of 6 focus groups, focused on residents in independent living because they have the greatest potential for benefiting from wellness programs intended to improve quality of life, to help managing chronic health conditions, to postpone health impairment, and thus to foster aging in place.
Key Findings
Although all dimensions of wellness are important and deeply interwoven, the most salient ones for these participants are the physical, the social, and the emotional dimensions.
The main needs and preferences expressed by these participants are maintaining good physical and mental health; living in a safe, accessible, and engaging social and physical environment; and being valued and esteemed by having their voices heard.
The existing standards that require the incorporation of wellness principles into a CCRC�s philosophy do not provide tools or alternatives for program implementation. The findings of this study suggest a series of guidelines for CCRCs for better meeting independent living residents� needs and preferences, and thus supporting them in achieving or improving well-being.
The overall conclusion of this study is that the factors that influence the well-being of these participants are strongly related to the great value they place on having good physical and mental health and health care, living in a safe and unchallenging environment, and being actively involved in all aspects of life. In order to effectively implement wellness programs into their community, CCRCs have to integrate programs that conform to residents� fundamental preferences for continuity and environmental congruence into all aspects of their existing services.
This research was funded as part of a grant from the Ohio General Assembly, through the Ohio Board of Regents to the Ohio Long-Term Care Research Project.
Full Report (PDF, 28 pages)
Paper reprints of this article are not available through Scripps Gerontology Center, to obtain a copy of this publication check with the author, the journal, or your local library.
