Elderly relocation to a congregate setting: factors influencing adjustment

As the trend in relocation to congregate housing continues, protecting the well-being of relocating elderly becomes a major concern. The relationships of perceived choice, predictability, perceived social support, cognitive appraisal, and coping strategies on relocation adjustment were examined through semistructured interviews with elders relocating to a congregate setting in New York state. Perceived choice in relocation, predictability, perceived social support from family and neighbors, and cognitive appraisal of the move as threat or challenge were found to correlate significantly with adjustment. The majority of subjects viewed the move to a congregate setting positively, predominantly as a challenge, and as different but not extremely difficult. This study provides increased research-based understanding of the factors influencing postrelocation adjustment and fuller understanding of the personal meaning of the relocation experience that may be used to aid the successful transition of an older person to a group residential setting.