Managing the Transition from Hospital to Home

Abstract

This study describes the transition from hospital to home from the perspective of the older adults and family members who experience it. Qualitative data were collected in semistructured interviews conducted with a purposive sample of 55 older adult/family member dyads at 2 weeks and 2 months following hospitalization. Data were analyzed using the constant comparative method. The findings suggest that the 2-week period following hospitalization is characterized by worry, followed by attempts to establish routines and acquire mastery by 2 months post discharge.