Older Adults in Co-Residential Family Care: Circumstances Precipitating Rural Older Adults for Co-Residential Family Care Arrangements

Using a phenomenological study design, this study attempts to investigate the factors that lead rural older adults to seek out co-residential family care arrangements. Twelve older adults from rural areas were interviewed in-depth; the data were then inductively categorized and organized into themes. The circumstances that lead older adults to give up their independent life and move in with their offspring in the research area include physical limits and health issues, separation and divorce, the loss of a spouse, economic troubles, neglect, inheritance disputes, and inaccessible places. The result recommends decision-makers and other interested parties that measures must be focused on preserving a favorable living environment for elderly people living in rural areas and addressing issues that are crucial in co-residential family care settings developing senior/adult care facilities and expanding access to health care.