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DOI: 10.1177/0193945906292539 Womens Well-Being After Relocation to Independent Living CommunitiesUniversity of North Carolina, Greensboro, eileen_rossen{at}uncg.edu
Oregon Health and Science University, Portland Late-life relocation to independent living communities is increasing, especially among women. This study described the impact of relocation on the health and well-being of 31 older women who moved from a private residence to an independent living community. Schumacher and Meleis (1994) nursing model of transition guided the study. Health status, social activity, self-esteem, depression, and quality of life were measured pre- and postmove. Post-move women reported a significant increase in engagement in social activities and higher quality of life. Participants levels of self-esteem, depression, and quality of life were found to correspond with three relocation transition styles: full integration, partial integration, and minimal integration. These preliminary findings suggest that nurses who identify older women with low self-esteem, high depressive symptoms, and low quality of life pre-move may be at risk for poor relocation outcomes. Interventions to ease the transition process and improve relocation adjustment are needed.
Key Words: relocation well-being older women independent living communities
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