Do not hear, see, or speak: Views of older residents and their adult children about the nursing unit in the continuing care retirement community

Background: The present study evaluated views of continuing care retirement community (CCRC) residents and their adult children concerning the nursing unit (NU) within the CCRC. Methods: Qualitative interviews with older adults and their adult children were conducted. Analysis consisted of 187 interviews with older adults and their adult children over a period of up to six years. Analysis relied on constant comparisons within the same interview, over interviews of the same person over time, and between CCRC residents and their adult children. Major themes were identified to construct a coherent storyline. Results: The NU was viewed as a different universe that should be avoided at all costs. This was attributed to: (1) the association of the NU with one's impending decline and dependence and (2) beliefs about substandard care in the NU. Conclusions: The findings point to the ambivalence expressed by CCRC residents and their adult children concerning the NU, even though to some degree, the NU represents the main reason for the transition to a CCRC.