Aging in Place or Institutional Care? Exploring Daily Life Experiences and Attitudes Toward Nursing Home: A Comparative Qualitative Study on Older Adults.

BackgroundOlder adults may spend their later years living either in their own homes or in institutional care settings such as nursing homes. However, uncertainties persist regarding how different living arrangements are experienced and perceived by older adults. Addressing these uncertainties and ensuring that older adults are provided with environments that meet their needs requires careful consideration of their subjective perceptions and lived experiences within their current living contexts.ObjectiveThis study aims to explore and compare the daily life experiences and attitudes toward nursing homes among older adults in Türkiye-where the older population has been rapidly increasing in recent years-who live alone at home, live with a spouse, or reside in a nursing home.MethodsA qualitative design employing thematic analysis was used. 30 participants aged 65 and older (10 from each group) were recruited through purposive sampling. Semi-structured interviews were analyzed following a six-step thematic framework, with themes refined through peer debriefing and triangulation.ResultsFour main themes emerged: gratitude and adaptation beyond place, diversity of daily activities, challenging prejudices about institutional living, and the importance of autonomy. Participants' daily experiences appeared to be shaped more by perceived autonomy and social connection than by location. Misconceptions about institutional care were evident in participants' accounts, highlighting the need for public education and supportive policies.