Social Relationships of African American and Hispanic Older Assisted Living Residents: Exploring the Role of Race and Ethnicity |
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| Authors: | Nan Sook Park Debra Dobbs Iraida V. Carrion Tiffany L. Young Jennifer R. Salmon Lucinda L. Roff |
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| Affiliation: | 1. University of South Florida , Tampa , Florida , USA;2. University of South Florida , Tampa , Florida , USA;3. Aging Research Group , USA;4. University of Alabama , Tuscaloosa , Alabama , USA |
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| Abstract: | African American and Hispanic older adults are underrepresented in assisted living communities, so little is known about how they experience social relationships in these settings. The purpose of the study was to explore resident-to-resident and resident-to-staff relationships experienced and perceived by African American and Hispanic older residents in assisted living settings. In-depth interviews with 15 African American and 15 Hispanic older adults were conducted in seven assisted living communities in Central Florida. Three salient themes emerged using a grounded theory approach: formation of relationships: emotional vs. instrumental support; language as a facilitator or barrier; and avoidance of inter-racial relationships. Implications for providing culturally competent services in assisted living communities with diverse populations are discussed. |
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| Keywords: | social relationships assisted living African American older adults Hispanic older adults |
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