Social Relations and Resident Health in Assisted Living: An Application of the Convoy Model

• Published in: The Gerontologist Vol. 53; no. 3; pp. 495 - 507
• Main Authors: Perkins, Molly M, Ball, Mary M, Kemp, Candace L, Hollingsworth, Carole
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Oxford University Press 01.06.2013
• Subjects: Aging; Assisted Living Facilities - organization & administration; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Georgia; Health; Health Status; Humans; Interpersonal Relations; Interpersonal Relationship; Interviews; Interviews as Topic; Male; Mixed Methods Research; Multivariate Analysis; Older Adults; Perception; Qualitative Research; Residential Care; Social Networks; Social Support; Urban Population; Well Being; Georgia
• ISSN: 0016-9013; 1758-5341
• DOI: 10.1093/geront/gns124

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.