To Örebro University

BACKGROUND: Ageing in place is the social norm in Sweden, yet older adults apply for a nursing home on a daily basis which suggests that ageing in place needs further study as it is not suitable for everyone. Aim: to study descriptions of older adults' reasons for applying to a nursing home in documents of granted nursing home decisions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and sixty decisions were analyzed through document analysis with a deductive content analysis using the Canadian Model of Occupational Performance-Engagement (CMOP-E) as a framework.

RESULTS: Reasons for applying were represented in the three factors of the CMOP-E. In personal factors, reason for applying was e.g. connected to severe anxiety. In environmental factors, family culture had an influence in the application. In occupational factors, the ability to perform self-care and mobility greatly affected decisions to apply to nursing homes.

CONCLUSION: Descriptions of the older adults' activities in daily life were limited. If OTs were further involved in nursing home applications, adults ageing in place could be better supported and a move to a nursing home may be prevented. Significance: this study contributes to the understanding of why older adults chose to apply to a nursing home.