Attitudes towards assisted living inAustria-A qualitative study

Abstract

Surveys in German speaking countries identified motives for choosing assisted living, but their importance in the context of decision making remains unclear. This study aimed to identify types of attitudes towards assisted living among older persons in Austria that result from the interplay of single motives. A comparative qualitative study with semi-structured interviews was conduCted in the land Salzburg among residents of assisted living facilities and home dwelling older adults. Data were analysed by using qualitative content analysis according to Mayring and subsequent construction of types. Among residents types of attitudes were "proactive users" who expected more safety or comfort and persons who "moved m due to external circumstances" like taking the opportunity of available place or feeling forced by functional/imitations or be ing influenced by significant others. Types of attitudes among home dwelling older persons were "conditional acceptance';"rejection" and ;'indecisiveness':Vague ideas about assisted living often prevented an informed decision. Choice of assisted living only depends to some extent on specific expectations. Better information,advice by significant others and availability of a place may favour a decision to move in.