Despite the increasing interest in the concept of assisted living (AL) as a home like environment for elders, very little is known about the culture of AL. The purpose of this study was to describe the culture at one AL facility and to capture the knowledge people use to organize and interpret their behavior and the behavior of others. An ethnographic approach was used to elicit and analyze stories and behaviors of residents and staff at the facility. The data collection process included formal and informal interviews with residents, family, and staff, participant observation, and document review. Six cultural categories emerged from the data analysis. Two categories describe the facility rules: formal and informal; two categories describe the facility norms: staff as family and shared values; and two categories describes the facility rituals: private and public. Implications for nursing practice include strategies for development of nurses’ roles as culture brokers, elder advocates, change agents, and critical thinkers in the AL environment. Conclusions from this study suggest that nurses are in the key position to translate basic elements of the AL culture to residents, families, and the public. They also need to assist policy-makers in setting standards, rules and regulations for AL. Future research suggestions include exploring, describing and explaining factors that enhance nurses’ performance in each of the roles.
Session #1115 - Environmental Supports for Aging
The 29th Annual MNRS Research Conference (April 1-4, 2005)