Meaning in life of older adults living in residential and nursing homes

Background: The purpose of this study was to contribute to the analysis of older people’s Meaning in Life and the implications of dwelling in residential and nursing homes. The transition from one’s private home to a residential or nursing care facility is a challenge for many older people. An individualized (not standardized) approach to meaning in life programming can help professionals in developing tailored interventions to support residents and their families. Participants: The participants (n = 106, 76% women, mean age 84.4 ± 6 years, 93% Christians) were living in residential (52%) and nursing homes (48%). Methods: An anonymous cross-sectional survey was conducted in nine care homes in Southern Germany using validated instruments such as the Schedule for Meaning in Life Evaluation (SMiLE) and Religious Trust (SpREUK-15 subscale). Results: Leisure time, nature experience, and family were the most important meaning-giving areas. Spirituality was also perceived as a major resource. Conclusions: Residents living in retirement homes were more spiritually satisfied than those living in nursing homes. It will be necessary to specifically support individuals living in institutional-care in their spiritual and psychosocial dimension to improve their feelings of security and to meet their core needs.