Social support networks of older adults in long term care

This research applied previously developed methods of assessing social support networks (SSNs), social isolation, and perceived quality of relations with a relatively unstudied population: Independent Living(IL)residents. This population was of interest because of the lack of information known about their motivations for moving into IL, as well as their SSNs. Twenty-four interviews were carried out with residents at two LTC campuses, one rural and one urban. Participants identified ¿push¿ and ¿pull¿ motivations for moving, and these motivations were relatively independent of pressures from friends or family. Their social support networks were measured using the Antonucci Hierarchical Mapping Technique. The majority of network members were family members, followed by friends. Residents also had generally positive quality of relations, and the majority (92%) were not considered socially isolated or at risk for social isolation. Results based on these interviews show that larger networks are moderately associated with less social isolation, and that only 8% were socially isolated. Implications and recommendations for research are discussed, as well as relevance to current theory.