Appropriation of space and well-being of institutionalized elderly people
Appropriation of space and well-being of institutionalized elderly people

Summary/Abstract: Due to the increase in the population sector aged over 65 in Romania, and given the expanding popularity of life in nursing homes, the current article aims to discuss the well-being of the elderly people who are institutionalised in residential houses or nursing homes, as far as the appropriation of the new living space is concerned. The novelty factor, the unknown and the aweareness of the fact that it is probably their last home cause anxiety to the institutionalised pensioners. The spatial and territorial appropriation of the new residential universe, which is identifiable by the use frequency of the possessive pronouns and affiliation verbs, is achieved in several ways; some are the adaptive expressions of taking possession and emotionally invest in the room and in the places in the home, while others prove the inability part with the old house. Well-being is associated with the satisfaction produced to the resident by the offering him the autonomy of actively participating in taking decisions that concern him. The institution staff should know the appropriation and well-being degree of the pensioner. This would allow the staff to adjust their behaviour towards the residents in order to facilitate the creation of a „home‟ feeling.

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