Social relations and resident health in assisted living: An application of the convoy model

Abstract

Purpose: This article, based on analysis of data from a mixed methods study, builds on a growing body of assisted living (AL) research focusing on the link between residents' social relationships and health. A key aim of this analysis, which uses the social convoy model as a conceptual and methodological framework, was to examine the relative importance of coresident relationships and other network ties to residents' subjective well-being. Design and Methods: We analyzed data from structured face-to-face interviews and social network mapping conducted with 192 AL residents in 9 AL facilities in Georgia. Results: Having a higher proportion of family ties in one's network was the single most important predictor of well-being, whereas possessing some ties to coresidents and nonfamily members outside AL also had a positive effect. Findings showed that relationships among coresidents generally were important although not emotionally close. Having more close ties was associated with lower well-being, suggesting that not all close ties are beneficial. The majority (84%) of residents' closet ties were with family members. Implications: Findings illuminate the crucial role families play in residents' overall health and well-being and demonstrate the importance of helping residents develop and maintain a range of network ties, including "weak" ties with coresidents and nonfamily outside AL. © 2012 © The Author 2012. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Gerontological Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.