NATURE AND MEANING OF SOCIAL TIES AMONG ASSISTED LIVING RESIDENTS AT THE END OF LIFE

Social network size and quality of perceived social support are associated with overall well-being in late life. Our research on end-of-life in assisted living (AL) shows that size of residents’ social support networks tends to decrease as cognitive impairment increases. Using Year 1 data from a 5-Y...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Innovation in aging Vol. 1; no. suppl_1; p. 942
Main Authors:	Perkins, M.M., Halpin, S.N., Salvador Comino, M., Ball, M.M., Kemp, C.L., Doyle, P.J., Vandenberg, A.E., Quest, T.E.
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	US Oxford University Press 01-07-2017
Subjects:	Abstracts
Online Access:	Get full text
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Summary:	Social network size and quality of perceived social support are associated with overall well-being in late life. Our research on end-of-life in assisted living (AL) shows that size of residents’ social support networks tends to decrease as cognitive impairment increases. Using Year 1 data from a 5-Year NIA-funded study (1R01AG047408-01A1) focusing on 55 residents with cognitive impairment from four diverse AL communities, we investigate the nature and meaning of these shrinking networks. Residents’ mean age is 87 (range=71–103); 47% are African American and 62% are female. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment shows that more than half (65%) have moderate-to-severe cognitive impairment. Thematic analysis shows that some residents draw strength through reminiscence and spiritual ties they maintain with deceased family and friends. As “comrades in illness,” others report feelings of isolation related to a lack of meaningful interaction with co-residents. Findings have implications for strengthening social support at end-of-life in AL.
ISSN:	2399-5300 2399-5300
DOI:	10.1093/geroni/igx004.3384