An exploration of individuals' expectations of their stay on an elderly care unit

Abstract

This article describes the elements of a qualitative cross-sectional study which explored the relationship between the expectations and the experience of 20 individuals with regard to their stay on an elderly care unit. The study data were gathered using semi-structured interviews and analysed using content analysis techniques. The participants were found to hold a variety of expectations about the tangible and conceptual elements of their experience. Their comments focused primarily on the outcomes experienced rather than on the processes occurring. Their expectations appeared to change in conjunction with both time and experience, with common themes emerging. The study concluded that the participants' expectations were formed on hunches and/or previous information. They described their situation largely in terms of a mismatch between their expected and actual experience or with regard to unexpected situations. The results suggested that the unit concerned might usefully provide additional information to those admitted. They also raised some broader issues of potential interest to occupational therapists as a whole.