gms | German Medical Science

Background and Purpose: Participation and self-dependance are relevant factors for the well-being of residents and scientifically and politically demanded. The aim of this study is to examine persuasions and experiences of these factors.

Methods: Research Data collection in four nursing homes in Central and Southern Germany from August to September 2016 via 12 semi-structured guided interviews with residents living in a nursing home for at least 6 month which were able and willing to conduct an interview. Data analyses via qualitative content analysis with at least two independent researchers. Data saturation was achieved. Ethical clearing by the Ethic Committee of the German Society of Nursing Science.

Methodological and Theoretical Focus: The study follows a phenomenological approach.

Results: Ten categories were identified: Self-dependance as a permanent concern; strategies for a reasonable life in the institution; notions of escape; living in a nursing home as an unexpected deviation of life; living with loss of former ways of being and living; activities offered are an important part of everyday life; being restricted by organizational structures; being satisfied with the new life in a nursing home; being cared for by engaged but overstrained staff; being stressed by conflicts with other residents.

Conclusions: The results show that issues of participation and self-dependance are an important but jeopardized part of the experiences of residents. Residents are fighting for participation and self-dependance with different often detrimental and indirect strategies. Nevertheless the experiences and perceptions of residents go beyond these issues like quality of relationships to staff and other residents.