[Attitude of seniors about assisted living - a qualtiative study]

Assisted living is an option for older people who need assistance in daily living. Satisfaction with services offered is related to the older persons' attitude towards assisted living. Previous studies provide an incomplete picture of the interacting motives that result in acceptance or rejection of assisted living. This study aimed to obtain basic information for the planning of assisted living facilities according to older persons needs and to identify characteristic combinations of needs. Applicants for assisted living in a planned facility were compared with non-applicants in the surroundings. Data were collected with semi-structured guideline interviews and evaluated with qualitative content analysis according to Mayring. Six types of attitudes were identified among applicants. Desire to take precautions or to find relief from daily duties triggered application, but additional factors contributed to the decision. Maintaining one's independence was of major concern and living in a familiar environment was of additional importance. Non-applicants either felt no need for assistance or attributed more quality of life to living at home. As participants commented on a planned project they may not have considered all relevant aspects. Gradual addition of assistance according to choice meets the needs of applicants most.