Abstract:
Background: The demand for the elderly care homes in Sri Lanka is rising because the elderly
population is seeking an alternative care arrangement in the absence of home-based care.
Moving to an elderly care home can give different experiences for an elderly person.
Objectives: The main objective of this study was to explore the experiences of elderly people
living in elderly care home in Sri Jayewardenepura, Kotte. The specific objectives were to
explore the physical, psychosocial and environmental experiences of elderly people living in
elderly care homes.
Methodology: A qualitative phenominological design was utilized for the study. Data were
collected from an elderly care home located in Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte by using semi
structured interviews and a topic guide. By the completion of 15th elderly person, data
saturation was achieved. Thematic analysis was used for data analysis. The ethical approval was
granted from the Ethical Review Committee of National Hospital Sri Lanka.
Results: Perception in everyday life as a matter, being separated from the family and being
concerned with poor consideration for personal care are the three main themes emerged from
this study. Monotonous life style, accepting the situation, maintaining independence, and
struggling with aging body were the main physical experiences of elderly people. Moreover, the
study identified psychosocial experiences including feeling of abandon, maintaining harmony in
relationships, and living with a hope. Finally, coping with available facilities, maintaining a
clean environment and concerning on safety of elderly people were identified as environmental
experiences.
Conclusions: Findings could contribute elderly people to improve their living conditions by
considering their choices when planning menus and activities, implement activities which will
promote independence. It is further recommended to provide standard training program to care
givers who are working in elderly care homes and it is needed to make policies to improve home
setting and life experiences of elderly people.
