Browsing by Author "Jarrott, Shannon E."

Now showing 1 - 17 of 17
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    Adult Day Services Participation and Client Depressive Symptoms: A Longitudinal Analysis
    Bivens, Rebecca; Norouzi, Neda; Jarrott, Shannon E. (Virginia Tech, 2013-04-04)
    Our study explores whether adult day service (ADS) use is associated with the reduction of Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) scores of older adults who participated in ADS for at least six months.
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    The Characteristics and Functions of Weak Ties
    Brossoie, Nancy (Virginia Tech, 2007-12-12)
    The primary purpose of this study was to identify dimensions of weak tie relationships including characteristics (e.g., distinctive qualities, traits, or properties), functions (e.g., outcomes, purposes, or meanings derived from the interaction) and determinants of engagement to gain insight into the weak tie exchange process and develop frameworks that can be used to operationalize the concept. Data were collected through stories provided by participants during face-to-face interviews. Respondents recounted a situation when someone they did not know well and to whom they did not feel particularly close provided them with assistance. Over 70 stories were collected from 50 adults aged 65 and older who were active in their community. Stories collected were analyzed using an inductive approach that was supported by the concepts of interpersonal tie strength, loose connections, social exchange theory, and social support. Findings suggest that weak tie relationships occur in a variety of community settings and in response to a variety of daily challenges. The exchanges occur more frequently with acquaintances than strangers and the initiator of the exchange is generally the person offering support. The types of support offered are broad-based and include instrumental, emotional, and informational support. Weak tie exchanges range from one-time brief interactions to intermittent exchanges over extended periods, depending on the circumstances. Findings also suggest that weak ties have a specific task or purpose, encourage awareness about the value and purpose of social interactions, and influence participants' future social interactions. Six factors were identified as determinants of engagement in weak ties: situational factors, personal characteristics, judgments of responsibility, attitudes about helping behaviors, personal network type, and exchange history. The findings from this study provide a foundation for further conceptualization of weak ties and a framework on which to develop instruments to measure tie strength and the potential for engaging in weak tie exchanges.
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    Grandchildren's Perceptions of Caring for Grandparents
    Fruhauf, Christine A. (Virginia Tech, 2003-04-07)
    Throughout the life course, all family members can expect to find themselves in some type of caregiving role. Individuals may find themselves providing care for a child or for an older family member who needs assistance. With the increase in life expectancy and the shrinking family size, individuals may find themselves spending time providing care to older family members. Despite the fact that caregiving related issues are well researched in the field of gerontology, the developmental experiences of grandchildren caregivers and the meanings of their caregiving experiences have not been explored in previous empirical work. Influenced by symbolic interactionism theory and the life course and life-span perspectives, the research questions that guide this study are: What is the nature of caregiving from the perspectives of grandchildren in the grandparent-grandchild relationship? What meanings do grandchildren give to the caregiving role? A qualitative study was conducted to examine the experiences of adult grandchildren (21-29 years old) who were currently providing some type of care-related activity for at least one grandparent. Face-to-face semi-structured interviews, lasting 30-80 minutes, with 17 grandchildren caregivers were conducted one time to examine the participants' caregiving experience. All interviews were completed at a location of the participants' choice. Interviews were tape-recorded and tapes were transcribed verbatim to aid in data analysis. Grandchildren caregivers' experiences illustrate variation with the reasons for providing care and the amount of time engaged in care related activities. Grandchildren were assisting with instrumental activities of daily living and activities of daily living. Reasons for providing care included grandparents' chronic illness or gradual aging, a crisis or event that left grandparents needing assistance, and because they had been providing care since they were young children. The amount of time grandchildren engaged in care related activities ranged from daily to several hours a week during summer and winter breaks. Grandchildren caregivers reported that family values, making grandparents happy, and preparing for the future were how they made sense of their role. Grandchildren experienced benefits and drawbacks from assisting grandparents and discussed how parents served as mediators and distracters to their caregiving role. Grandchildren caregivers exhibited the ability to adapt to caregiving situations and develop coping mechanisms that allowed them to be successful caregivers. Service professionals may want to include grandchildren caregivers in established support groups, caregiver programs, and enhance caregiver resources to support the generational needs of grandchildren caregivers in their 20s.
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    Horticulture Therapy for Persons with Dementia; Effects on Engagement and Affect
    Gigliotti, Christina Marie (Virginia Tech, 2003-04-28)
    The purpose of this paper is to integrate and synthesize the literature from the fields of Horticulture Therapy (HT) and therapeutic activities for persons with dementia using the theory of environmental press Utilizing horticulture as a treatment modality, the therapist can either modify the environment or the person's competence level or both to assist persons to reach the desired Adaptation Level (AL). The AL represents an appropriate person-environment fit, and attainment of this zone is demonstrated by positive affect and adaptive behavior. At this time, research about HT for persons with dementia is limited. Applying theory to research is essential in order to clarify the appropriate outcome measures, independent variables, and research designs to the study. Therefore, research that fails to utilize theory often does little to contribute to the advancement of the field. This paper offers an environmental press perspective about HT for persons with cognitive impairment.
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    Individual and Geographic Predictors of Formal and Informal Care Patterns and Nursing Home Placement Risk among Rural Appalachian Elders
    Bivens, Laura R. (Virginia Tech, 2016-07-01)
    A variety of individual and geographic factors influence the mix of formal and informal services utilized by older adults and their families along the continuum of care. This study focuses on a specific rural population in the United States - Central and South Central Appalachia, which experiences the triple jeopardy of vulnerable people (older adults) in vulnerable places (rural Appalachia), with cultural views and beliefs that may negatively impact the care they receive. Using Andersen’s behavioral model of service utilization, Soldo’s supplementation model of care, and Bronfenbrenner’s ecological theory as the theoretical frameworks, data from the Older Families in Rural Communities: Personal and Social Influences on Service Use project and the United States 2000 Census were used to examine the utilization of informal and formal care services and nursing home placement risk in a rural Appalachian population. The main goals of this research were to (a) examine the relationships among individual and geographic characteristics and determine how those relationships affect the utilization of informal-formal care-mix, and (b) determine how the informal-formal care-mix is associated with nursing home placement risk in older adults living in rural southwest Virginia. Two separate analyses were completed in order to address the research objectives. First, a multinomial regression model, including both individual and geographic data, was used to predict care-mix. Second, after calculating the outcome variable “nursing home placement risk” via a derived logistic regression equation, a log-linear analysis with a 3×4 contingency table was computed in order to understand the association between care-mix and nursing home placement risk. Results indicate that disparities in sex and poverty level in an area that already suffers from healthcare disparities significantly affect the type of care an older adult receives. When formal care was utilized, it was more often added to existing informal care systems, supplementing them, rather than replacing them. The type of care-mix individuals received was also associated with nursing home placement risk. Specifically, when informal support was the only source of care, nursing home placement risk was significantly higher than when informal-formal care-mix was received. Research and policy implications for disparity-ridden areas are discussed.
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    The Influence of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) on Marital Relationships
    Winston, Brianne L. (Virginia Tech, 2005-05-12)
    The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) on marital relationships. MCI refers to age-related decline in memory and other cognitive processes that do not necessarily interfere with daily activities or the maintenance of social relationships with others (Petersen et al., 1999). Using social exchange theory as the theoretical framework to guide this qualitative study, aspects of the marital relationship explored from the nonimpaired spouses’ perspective were couple interaction, intimacy, and the division of household labor. In-depth interviews were conducted with five husbands and five wives (M age = 76.6 yrs., S.D. = 6.64). Open-ended interview questions that focus on issues specific to the marital relationship included: (a) range of activities participated in as a couple, (b) ways of showing care or affection toward one another, and (e) management of everyday life. In addition to participating in the semi-structured interviews, the spouses completed three standardized scales (e.g., Revised Memory & Behavior Problems Checklist, Zarit Burden Interview, Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale). Their responses to these measures provided information about the memory and behavioral changes of the elder as it related to the outcomes for and responses of the spouse. Spouses noted both change and stability within their marriages. They expressed “mixed emotions” concerning the influence of MCI on both them as individuals and on their relationship. Husbands’ responses focused on the negative relationship outcomes (e.g., frustration, stress) associated with caring for a spouse with memory loss; however, wives reported higher levels of burden and depression on the standardized measures than did the husbands. Gender differences were found regarding how husbands and wives view their roles in context to the caregiving situation, as well as how they adapt and cope. Longitudinal research is needed to examine the changes in the dynamics of these late-life marital relationships over time.
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    An Integrative Approach to Therapeutic Outdoor Spaces in Dementia-Care Units
    Caniano, Gina Marie (Virginia Tech, 2006-05-08)
    There is an evident gap in the research regarding the environmental needs of older adults with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) and the design of therapeutic outdoor spaces for these persons. With the rapid growth of the aging population, appropriate outdoor spaces will become essential to improved quality of life for older adults with ADRD. This study explores nonpharmacological treatment approaches for persons with ADRD that can be facilitated in the outdoor environment. The study presents an examination of the literature, including theoretical frameworks and treatment approaches, interviews with professionals in the fields of landscape architecture and gerontology, and an assessment of case studies. Design guidelines identify the necessary landscape elements that can be incorporated in outdoor environments to reduce maladaptive behaviors and improve positive affect and the overall quality of life for persons with dementia. This study concludes with an example of a prototypical wander garden design that responds to the design guidelines and addresses the physical and mental capabilities of persons with ADRD.
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    Intergenerational Exchange and Mediators Impact Ambivalence about Future Older Selves
    Jarrott, Shannon E.; Savla, Jyoti S. (Virginia Tech, 2014-11-08)
    We hypothesized that anxiety, knowledge, and empathy would mediate the relationship between intergenerational contact and internal ambivalence about aging.
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    Intergenerational Facilities: Designing Intergenerational Space through a Human Development Lens
    Norouzi, Neda (Virginia Tech, 2016-05-05)
    The built environment can be structured to encourage or discourage social interaction and can have effects on children's cognitive, social, and emotional development as well as effects on elder's health and well-being. Knowing the profound influence of the built environment on elders (Garin, et al., 2014) and children (Bradford, 2012), the design of intergenerational spaces therefore has the potential to influence the interaction between elders and children engaged in intergenerational programming. Intergenerational care programs present opportunities for cooperation and exchange of skills, knowledge, and experience between people of different age groups (Bradford, 2012; Jarrott, 2011; Kaplan et al., 2002; Newman, 1997). Highlighting the common points and connections between architectural phenomenology and human development theories, this study presents the benefit of developmental theories being applied empirically in architectural design when creating intergenerational facilities in order to enhance the quality of intergenerational interactions. To address this goal, this study examines physical environments that can effectively and efficiently provide intergenerational services. The objectives of this study are to find out (1) whether or not the identification and adaptation of human development theories and architectural phenomenology inform the extension of normative design for intergenerational facilities and (2) in what ways do architectural conditions of an intergenerational space meet the needs of multiple age groups and facilitates interaction. The study uses grounded theory framework to develop a theory related to the influence of spatial design on the quality of intergenerational interactions. To accomplish this, a phenomenological description of different intergenerational spaces was conducted, followed by four to six hours of behavioral/observation mapping of the intergenerational space. The investigator interviewed the architect(s) to ascertain their main ideas and the purpose of designing the building, and the people (participants, educators, coordinators, and facilitators) involved with the intergenerational programs to indicate how the space influences intergenerational interaction. The result of reviewing and analyzing the collected data is a new model of design process grounded in theoretical tenets of personhood and contact theory and applicable for designing intergenerational facilities.
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    Intergenerational Programming Involving Adults with Dementia: An Observational Assessment of Social Behaviors and Affect
    Gladwell, Melissa Suzanne (Virginia Tech, 2003-04-28)
    The empirical knowledgebase of intergenerational programming (IGP) largely relies on anecdotal reports by staff and family members. The lack of concrete knowledge is particularly evident in the literature regarding IGP involving elders with dementia. In an effort to fill some of the voids in the current literature base, observations were conducted for seven weeks at a co-located child and adult day program to determine the effects of IGP on 10 older adult participants (M age =81 yrs., S.D. = 5.21). All participants (5 male and 5 female) were diagnosed with dementia by a physician and attended the adult day program regularly. Intergroup contact theory, which emphasizes interdependence between groups, informed the development and facilitation of the IGP activities. A structured scale was utilized to assess the elders' social behavior and affect during IGP. Control observations were conducted during adult-only activities representative of traditional dementia-care programming, and qualitative data were collected through participant interviews and facilitator journaling to corroborate the quantitative findings. T-test analyses revealed that the older adults exhibited significantly greater levels of group social behavior and significantly fewer instances of unoccupied behavior during IGP as compared to traditional adult-only activities. The adults also expressed significantly more positive affect during IGP than in the control activities. Findings from the qualitative inquiries supported the quantitative results by emphasizing the meaning and purpose of IGP for the elders. Results indicated that effectively planned and facilitated IGP is an appropriate and interesting activity for elders with dementia.
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    A Mixed Method Assessment of Horticulture Therapy Programming for Persons with Dementia: An Exploration and Analysis of Processes and Outcomes
    Gigliotti, Christina Marie (Virginia Tech, 2006-02-06)
    Engaging persons with dementia in meaningful activities supports well-being; however care staff are challenged to identify activities that are developmentally and generationally appropriate in a group setting. In this study, I compared a randomly assigned treatment group (HT) to a comparison group (traditional activities) on outcome variables, including engagement, affect, and problem behaviors. HT programming was implemented twice weekly at four treatment sites for six weeks, while traditional activities were observed at four comparison sites during that time period. A mixed method assessment was undertaken to examine the processes and outcomes that influenced the observed outcomes and the interrelationships between these dependent variables. Data was gathered from a variety of sources using a range of methods, including structured observational assessments, semi-structured interviews, and a focus group session. Informants included persons with dementia, traditional activity facilitators from the comparison sites, and observational research team members. Nonparametric Mann Whitney-U analyses were used to compare the treatment and comparison groups on behavioral and affective domains, while multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) was used to examine the interrelationships between these outcome variables. Analytic induction and constant comparison enabled the researchers to identify factors that affected the implementation of the intervention and its subsequent impact on the participants. Mann Whitney-U results revealed no statistical differences between the HT and traditional groups on the three affective domains; however, levels of adaptive behavior did differ between the two groups, with the treatment group demonstrating significantly higher levels of active, passive, and other engagement, and the comparison group demonstrating significantly higher levels of self-engagement. MCA analyses indicated that individuals who exhibited high level of active engagement were also likely to display high levels of pleasure and low levels of non-engagement, further supporting the value of active engagement in activities to optimize well-being. Qualitative findings highlighted the importance of simultaneously capturing the participants' responses as well as indicators of the social and physical environment to gain a holistic understanding of the intervention and associated outcomes. Results demonstrated that while HT programming results in positive outcomes for participants, facilitation of therapeutic activities for persons with dementia is a critical element influencing the targeted outcomes.
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    Montessori-Based Activities for Persons With Dementia: Effects on Engagement and Affect
    Gozali, Tsofit (Virginia Tech, 2002-04-22)
    This study focuses on the importance of activity as an intervention with persons with dementia. Continuity theory serves as a general guide, along with research on leisure in later life and the theory of personhood in dementia, to explain the importance of engaging persons with dementia in activities. Implementing purposeful activities with persons with dementia has been demonstrated to reduce boredom and agitated behavior and to maximize the functional abilities of the individual. The important role of task analysis and adaptation of the activity to personal needs (motor, psychological, social) and past interests of the individual is central to the study, which utilizes meaningful activities as suggested in the literature from the field of occupational therapy. The current study addresses specific principles of activity for persons with dementia and applies a well-established educational philosophy from the field of child development to this population. Previous research has demonstrated that Montessori activities, modified for use with persons with dementia, can facilitate positive engagement and affect. Montessori-based activities were incorporated in a model of well-being in dementia (Coppola, 1998; Hasselkus, 1998), conducted in small parallel group settings, (i.e., referred to a group of individuals situated together but individually completing the same task), included a verbal approach to facilitating meaning of the activities. The amount and type of engagement and affect were compared during Montessori-based activities and regularly scheduled activities of 10 older adults with dementia at a university-based adult day service. Significantly higher levels of constructive engagement (motor or verbal response to activity) and lower levels of non-engagement (sleeping, staring into space) were exhibited during Montessori-activities compared to regular activities. Principles of activities for persons with dementia along with principles of the Montessori-based program are presented. Methodological modifications are suggested, and implications for research and practice are discussed.
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    Nature as Nurture: Rural Older Women's Perspectives on The Natural Environment
    Husser, Erica Kathryn (Virginia Tech, 2009-09-04)
    The natural environment is a dynamic context for human development, but current lifestyles and activities are threatening the quality and supply of natural resources, and changing the conditions of the atmosphere. Older adults in the United States have been called upon to contribute their energy to volunteer efforts aimed at improving environmental conditions, but little is known about how or if older adults would be willing to take part. Informed by place attachment and attention restoration theory, and guided by the life course framework of human development, the purpose of this qualitative investigation was to deepen understanding about how a nature trajectory is established and the factors that influence the relationship between humans and nature over time. Interviews were conducted with 34 older rural women who ranged in aged from 71 to 91 years old (mean age 79). Seventeen of the women were living alone and nine lived below the poverty threshold. Using grounded theory coding and analysis techniques, two major findings emerged from the data: the women valued nature for spiritual and psychological reasons, and nature was suffering as a result of a wasteful and destructive economic paradigm. Half of the women's nature trajectories changed over time; trajectories remained positive and stable for the others. As God's creation, the natural environment informed their sense of self and bolstered their psychological well-being. They cared about environmental problems, but were unaware of what they could do to help.
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    Perceptions of Death among Older Adults: Integrating Terror Management Theory and the Lifespan Development Framework
    Ogletree, Aaron M. (Virginia Tech, 2015-05-01)
    Terror management theory (TMT) seeks to understand religious worldview adherence, positing that worldview beliefs can abate existential threats such as mortality salience. Most research on TMT has employed young samples, so influences on older adults' experiences of mortality salience are unclear. Simultaneously, research on death anxiety shows that older people may view their own death more favorably than younger individuals do. Guided by the lifespan development perspective, I investigated whether the range of life experiences and interpretation of them might account for perceptions of death in old age. A multi-phase content analysis of in-depth interview transcripts from 16 adults aged 65+ focused on narratives of life events, religious worldviews, and death. The findings suggested how lifespan adversity, such as the death of a loved one, promoted growth in self and religious belief that enhanced participants' reported relationship with the sacred. In turn, participants' views of and beliefs about death were without fear, indicating the influence of highly individualized and deeply spiritual religious worldview beliefs on the abatement of death fear. These findings support extension of TMT to older people by identifying the impact of lifespan experiences with trauma and adversity as contributing to less superficial, more individualized conceptions of religious worldviews. Such worldviews, contingent upon growth from adaptation to lifespan experiences, may indeed lead to less death anxiety and reduce the effects of mortality salience in old age.
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    Resistance Training for Adults with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias: Feasibility of Program Implementation, Appropriateness of Participant Engagement, and Effects on Physical Performance and Quality of Life
    Rogers, Sharon Dale (Virginia Tech, 2005-04-25)
    Coupled with normal age-related regression in muscle mass, adults with cognitive impairment are at high risk for exacerbated declines in muscle strength, associated psychological well-being, and overall independence. Working from the environmental press model, a 12-week strength training intervention was designed to both support participants' continuing abilities and meet varied needs. Tailoring the environment helps optimize participation, which is essential if participants are to experience the greatest possible gains from a group-based exercise program. The intervention was a group-based, progressive strength training program designed specifically for adults with dementia at two dementia care centers. The exercises were performed three times each week and the sessions were led by the centers' activities leaders. Participants used hand-held barbells when performing the upper-body exercises. Findings indicated that individuals retain the capability to enhance their own quality of life through active participation in a therapeutic intervention. This is illustrated by the consistent effort of exercising participants to perform appropriately during the exercise intervention. Not only were adults able to demonstrate effort to appropriately participate, but the intervention supported high levels of correct performance of the exercise repetitions which is important for achieving physical gains. Exercisers did not experience improvement in physical abilities nor did they significantly differ at posttest from non-exercising participants in measures of physical ability and function or quality of life. The program was deemed to be a feasible intervention for adults with dementia as indicated by both regular participant attendance at the program sessions and high levels of effort to engage appropriately in the exercises. Due to the lack of opportunities for adults with dementia to participate in stimulating or meaningful activities, and the individuals' susceptibility to excess disability, the strength training program is a viable intervention to incorporate into the regular activities programming at dementia care centers. Future research should utilize the progress made by this study to continue exploring the environmental variables that most greatly affect the participation of adults with dementia, as well as outcome measurements that best capture important effects of participation in exercise for these individuals.
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    A Validation of the Life Satisfaction Scale in a Population of ADS Participants
    Ogletree, Aaron M.; Jarrott, Shannon E. (Virginia Tech, 2014-11-06)
    The objective of this research is to establish psychometric indicators for the LSS in a population of frail ADS participants.
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    What is Going on in Adult Day Services (ADS) in Taiwan?: An Examination of Social and Physical Environments in Two Centers
    Liou, Chih-ling (Virginia Tech, 2011-11-01)
    Some studies have demonstrated that Adult day services (ADS) benefit elders' and caregivers' well-being; however, others indicated that infantilization exists in some ADS centers where staff ignore the lifetime of elders' experiences. Many ADS environments in the United States are socially constructed as places for incompetent elders, and ADS clients may be labeled as child-like dependents. Most ADS research has been performed in Western society; little is known about ADS centers in Asian countries. Because ADS programs are promoted by the Taiwanese government to meet the needs of a growing aging population, it becomes essential to examine ADS centers and their practices in Taiwan in order to provide suggestions for future research and professional practice that supports respectful care of elders. This dissertation examined how elders experienced their daily life within the physical and social environment of two different types of ADS centers in Taiwan. I utilized theories of environmental press, place rules, and the total institution to shape my research framework. Using ethnographic data from two ADS centers with 270 hours of observations and 23 interviews with staff and clients, I analyzed staff-client interactions and clients' reactions toward staff behavior. The results are based on the analysis of clients' competencies, each center's approach to care, and their physical and social environments. Staff-client interactions within the two centers occurred not only in the form of infantilization but also with age-appropriate treatment in which staff paid respect to clients. I found two formats of staff-client interactions that reflected a culture of care uniquely Taiwanese yet also reminiscent of western programs: teacher-student format and nurse-patient interactions predominated. In one center, staff-client interactions were oriented toward a teacher-student relationship in which staff played the role of a teacher during activities by giving directions that controlled clients' behavior. In the other center, staff-clients relationships were focused on physical care and therapeutic practices. Staff treated the clients as patients and had the power to rule over clients' behavior by directing them how to eat and when to use the restroom. These patterns were neither inherently ageist nor absent of ageism. These differences stemmed from different models but each was supported within the context of Taiwanese culture derived from Confucianism and Japanese colonization, which emphasize hierarchical relationships. The findings also reveal that clients' individual differences influenced how they reacted toward both infantilizing and age-appropriate interactions. The differences were not only related to their competencies but also their different life experiences. These findings may inform a new approach to professional practice that incorporates a home-like environment that fosters autonomy and inhibits ageist treatment of differently-abled adults, thereby achieving a positive person-environment fit in the long-term care setting.