Grant: Summer Program in Aging

Moving into a long-term care home represents a major life event for both older adults experiencing this transition and their family members who support them. Studies have explored various conceptual models and frameworks to guide care transitions for older adults, highlighting the importance of understanding its impact on individuals and their caregivers, both physically and emotionally. However, there is a lack of relational-based explorations that acknowledge and recognize the strengths and limitations of different participants during the move-in process. This study, guided by the Relational-Centered Care (RCC) theoretical framework and employing focused ethnography, will inform the development of data collection materials and qualitative data analysis. The research aims to contribute to evidence-informed practices embedded in RCC that address the challenges during the move-in process and to create a healthy and sustainable relationship-based support network for older adults, family caregivers, and the nursing team.