Factors Affecting the Intergenerational Relationships in Nursing Homes in Iran Using Grounded Theory Appraoch

In nursing homes, intergenerational relationships has of particular importance because people of different ages and from different generations interact with each other. Health care workers, including nurses, can cover a wide range of intergenerational relationships in the form of care provided to the elderly. Despite the importance of intergenerational relationship among the elderly, the related challenges in nursing homes in Iran have not been studied yet. Therefore, this study aims to identify the factors affecting intergenerational relationships in nursing homes in Iran.

 This is a qualitative study that was conducted in three nursing homes in Tehran, Iran using the grounded theory method. Participants were 13 older residents and 8 employees working in nursing homes (Five nurses, one supervisor, one psychologist and one nursing home manager) who were recruited purposively. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data and sorted by constant comparison method. Data analysis was performed using Strauss and Corbin’s grounded theory method.

 Data analysis yielded five main categories. “Intergenerational tensions” was the main variable. The causal condition for this variable was titled “Tensions based on psychological factors”. The contextual factors in nursing homes were in a group titled “defective platform of intergenerational relationships”. The intervening factors included facilitators of and barriers to intergenerational relationships. Strategies was titled “Efforts to preserve existence” and consequences were titled “living with insecurity”.

 Generational differences between nursing home residents and staffs make it difficult to establish effective relationships between them which can cause poor quality care. The findings can help nursing home managers to apply strategies to remove barriers to intergenerational relationships and know how to improve these relationships and create greater cohesion between generations so that it can lead to better care and subsequently improved quality of life in the elderly.