Under the circumstances: The experiences of younger people living in residential aged care facilities

This small-scale, exploratory, descriptive study recorded the experiences of people under the age of 65 years living in residential aged care facilities. Individuals under the age of 65 are significantly younger than the majority of residents in residential aged care facilities. The findings of this study indicated that under the circumstances participants often perceived they had no alternative living arrangements available to them. Being a younger person in an aged care facility effected emotional wellbeing, relationships with others and activities, such as recreation. These findings provide information that increases knowledge, understanding and empathy. In addition they can inform residential care policy and influence nursing care in residential aged care facilities. The findings also provide a foundation for further research.