Understanding Person and Environment Factors that Facilitate Veteran Adaptation to Long-Term Care

Abstract

ABSTRACTAims: To use a phenomenological approach to gain an improved understanding of the person and environment factors that facilitates or impedes adaptation of veterans to long-term care. Method: Ten male veterans residing in a state-funded veteran's home between the ages of 60 to 92 years participated in this study. Data were collected through up to three in depth interviews, which were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using phenomenological principles. Results: Six over-arching themes emerged. The themes identified were: the importance of family, home, spirituality, military culture, leisure time use and food and music. The over-arching themes supported by salient participant narratives, facilitated understanding of the lived experiences of these veterans as they transitioned to long-term care. Conclusions: This study established the foundation for further research related to adaptation of veterans to long-term care.