83RESEARCH IN THE RETIREMENT VILLAGE COMMUNITY: DOES THE RECRUITED SAMPLE REFLECT THE RESIDENT POPULATION?

Abstract

Introduction: Retirement villages (RVs) for older people represent a burgeoning industry internationally, including New Zealand (NZ), where they house perhaps 12% of 'over 75s' (Webster A, www.jll.co.nz 2017). However, we know little about residents' demographics, social engagement, and health/disability issues ‐ information which could inform health planning, facilitate independence and reduce service demand. RVs are semi‐closed communities: access for researchers is most conveniently gained via RV managers. We are studying RV residents in Auckland NZ to acquire demographic, health, disability and social data, with a randomised controlled trial of gerontology nurse specialist (GNS)‐led multidisciplinary intervention aimed to reduce adverse outcomes (ANZCTR ref: ACTRN12616000685415). We here describe recruitment problems engendered by the semi‐closed nature of RVs. Methods: We planned to approach all RVs in Auckland/Waitemata District Health Boards, with random sampling of residents in each village using unit lists as the sampling frame. Exclusions: Inability to consent; (ACER < 65, or person GNS/general practitioner felt lacked capacity). We planned to access residents via RV managers, and contact residents by 'letter‐drop' then 'door‐knocks'. In 'small' RVs (n ≤ 60 units), we planned to contact all residents to assess eligibility, with random selection in 'larger' RVs (aiming to recruit 30 residents per large RV). Results: We approached managers of 53 of the 67 RVs. 35 consented to participate, 9 did not reply. Another 9 declined, of which 8 were 'small', largely independently‐owned. Many managers, laudably citing resident privacy, prohibited 'letter‐drops' or 'door‐knocks' at all or without prior residents' meetings to assess acceptance of this methodology. Hence, we had to recruit volunteers via residents' meetings, posters, newsletters and word‐of‐mouth. We recruited 578 residents from 33 villages (median age = 81 yrs; 420 = female; 184 sampled, plus 394 volunteers). Conclusions: Due to organisational or managers' policy in some RVs, our sample may not fully represent the RV population. Future RV research should consider alternative recruitment strategies e.g. random sampling from national census, electoral roll or via residents' organisations, in order to allow 'autonomous' RV residents the ability to choose or decline to participate in research.