Exploring Spirituality of Elders Relocating into Long-Term Care Facilities

Credentials Display

Kai-Li Tsai, PhD; Pei-Fen J. Chang, PhD, OTR; Anila J. Mathew, MOT, OTR; Clarissa Richard, MOT, OTR; Harriett A. Davidson, MA, OT; Gayle I. Hersch, PhD, OTR

Abstract

Background: Spirituality is recognized as an important contributor to quality of life, particularly for older adults. Yet, limited research has been conducted to examine spirituality of older adults relocating to long-term care facilities (LTCFs). The intent of this mixed methods study was to cull data from a parent study to explore different aspects of spirituality among residents newly admitted to LTCFs.

Method: Qualitative and quantitative data of six participants from a parent study including interviews and scores from the religious and existential well-being sections of the Spiritual Well Being Scale (SWBS) were analyzed and triangulated.

Results: Descriptive analysis of the demographic data including age, gender, ethnicity, and spirituality scores was conducted. Emerging themes from the qualitative interviews included: hope/hopelessness for the future; sense of belonging in the LTCF; contentment/discontentment with life; and personal religious beliefs. These themes, in turn, were triangulated with and supported by the SWBS scores

Conclusion: The findings have the potential of developing recommendations for spiritually-based interventions to facilitate successful relocation to LTCFs. Clinical implications for occupational therapy and future research are discussed.

Recommended Citation

Tsai, K., Chang, P. J., Mathew, A. J., Richard, C., Davidson, H. A., & Hersch, G. I. (2022). Exploring Spirituality of Elders Relocating into Long-Term Care Facilities. The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, 10(2), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.15453/2168-6408.1959