Holding momentum : a grounded theory study of older persons sustaining living at home

Abstract

Australia has an ageing population and it is expected that the number of people over the age of 65 years will continue to increase. As there are social and financial consequences associated with the ageing of the Australian population, government policies are directed at sustaining people over the age of 65 years to live in their homes. These policies have implications for individuals, families and communities as this context involves the capacity of the older person and their family and community networks to sustain living at home. Consequently, it is appropriate to understand what older persons are experiencing at a personal and community level, and what they understand to be their requirements for remaining at home. The purpose of this study was therefore to explore and describe the actions and strategies used by persons over the age of 65 years to enable them to remain living in their homes. The findings of this grounded theory study will inform policy and service provision by identifying appropriate resources and services to promote successful ageing at home. It is anticipated this research will also be useful in developing strategies to enable other persons over the age of 65 years to sustain living at home. These findings reinterpret and add to existing empirical knowledge of ageing, and suggest an interdisciplinary approach to ageing at home drawing on the experiences of older persons themselves is necessary.

Date of Award	2010
Original language	English