‘I’m Here Whether I Like It or Not’: A Focused Ethnographic Description of Transition Into Residential Aged Care

Abstract

Transition into residential aged care (RAC) is a challenging process, often characterised by vulnerability, fear, and isolation. This study aimed to provide a contextualised description of transition within a care-facility in Australia to deepen our understanding of this major life event. A focused ethnography was conducted, which included formal interviews with residents during their first 6 months of living in RAC. The findings provide an account of the participants’ views on acceptance, highlight the challenges of loss, and showcase the coping practices new residents used. This paper provides a type of report card for the sector, which reveals that there is relatively slow progress with respect to supporting the needs of new residents during transition. There are opportunities for improvements regarding interventions, initiatives and practices to ensure residents are afforded a healthy transition.