gms | German Medical Science

Background: Transitions, i.e. the experience of transitions from one life situation to another, can contain critical and stressful experiences. According to Meleis et al. nurses often accompany to health-related transition processes [1]. The present work is devoted to the experiences of younger people during transition to a nursing home.

Objectives: The following research questions were formulated:

• Which factors influence moving into a nursing home?
• How do younger care dependent persons experience the transition to a nursing home?

Design and methods: Open, guideline-based interviews were conducted and evaluated using a qualitative content analysis based on Kuckartz [2]. There is a positive ethical vote from the German Society for Nursing Science.

Interviews were carried out with eight residents of nursing homes. The four men and four women were between 33 and 63 years old and had care levels between 2 and 5.

Results: In addition to health factors, social, economic and structural factors also played a role in moving into a nursing home. Facilitating factors were a culture of welcoming, a caring atmosphere, the possibility of social contacts and adequate care aids in the nursing homes. The aggravating factors included rigid norms and values in nursing homes. The attitude of being too young for a nursing home as well as age-related and cultural differences also made the transition more difficult.

Conclusions: A welcoming culture and the consideration of age-appropriate interests make moving into a nursing home easier for those under 65 years of age.

Conflict of interest: There is no conflict of interest

Funding: There is no source of funding.