DETERMINANTS OF DISENGAGEMENT AMONG NURSING HOME RESIDENTS (ACTIVITY, THEORY, SATISFACTION)

DUANE ALLAN MATCHA, Purdue University

Abstract

This research examines the determinants of disengagement among nursing home residents from two perspectives. First, Cumming and Henry (1961) suggests that aging alone is predictive of disengagement. Second, a socio-structural approach suggests that age-related factors of the individual resident as well as structural and organizational characteristics of the institution are more predictive of disengagement. Measures of disengagement used here include the following reported activities of residents: Solitary activity, personal activity, and extended primary relationships. Satisfaction of the resident with disengagement is also examined. It is expected that disengagement differs by gender. The source of the data is the National Survey of Institutionalized Persons, collected in 1976 by the Bureau of the Census. Limitations imposed by this research on the original data base include the selection of only those residents who are: Aged 65 and over, white, residing in facilities with intermediate and/or skilled level care, and capable of responding to the interviewer. The sample size of this research is 915 residents. The findings provide only partial support to the position of Cumming and Henry (1961). The only significant relationship involves female residents who disengage from solitary activity as they age. The expected increase in satisfaction for these females is not indicated by this research. Conversely, male residents remain engaged in extended primary relationships as they age and report a low level of satisfaction. The findings also provide only partial support to the socio-structural approach. The significant relationships indicate that female residents who disengage are generally poor and reside in for-profit facilities. Male residents, who remain engaged and are less satisfied, provide a high level of self-payment for their care and reside in non-profit facilities. The findings indicate that disengagement differs by gender because of the economic and social support resources available to male and female residents prior to admission. Disengagement Theory, as proposed by Cumming and Henry (1961), is an ineffective framework when applied to nursing home research. A number of recommendations for change in the original theoretical framework of Cumming and Henry (1961) are identified in the socio-structural approach.

Degree

Ph.D.

Subject Area

Families & family life|Personal relationships|Sociology

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