Care staff's experiences of providing physical activity for older adults in long-term care facilities: A qualitative...

Despite the importance of physical activity for older adults in long-term care, practical challenges hinder its implementation. This study explores caregivers' experiences of providing physical activity in nursing homes.

A qualitative study was conducted with 11 participants from three nursing homes. In-depth one-on-one interviews were conducted between November 18, 2023, and March 10, 2024. Thematic analysis was performed using MAXQDA24.

Four themes, eight subthemes, and 71 codes emerged: (1) physical activity at the boundary between obligation and choice (2) tensions and rewards in providing physical activities (3) the driving force behind providing physical activities, and (4) practical challenges in providing physical activities. Staff in long-term care facilities perceive physical activity variably-at times as a core duty, and at other times as a secondary task. They experience both challenges from unexpected difficulties and a sense of reward from residents' improvements. The practice of physical activity is shaped more by staff commitment and management philosophy than by official guidelines. To enhance physical activity, expanding resources and fostering collaboration with external organizations are essential.

This study suggests that understanding residents' experiences and outcomes is essential to enhancing physical activity in nursing homes. It also highlights the importance of clarifying professional roles and strengthening collaboration among care providers.