Perceptions of senior residents about a community-based nursing center

This phenomenological study explored the meaning of nursing services provided in a community-based nursing center for older adults. A systematic, randomly selected sample of 27 residents, ranging in age from 56 to 86 and predominantly female, participated in one of four focus-group sessions. Residents' perceptions were elicited using open-ended questions. Themes were organized using common phenomena from group sessions. Contextual factors identified were beliefs about aging, future concerns, and views about health care. Three major themes were feeling valued and respected; opening doors to self care; and decreasing self-care costs. The findings offer an understanding of the value of community-based nursing centers to older adults and lend strong support for care management provided by nurses.