Exploring Profile Attributes and Psychosocial Well-Being in Elderly Populations

Abstract

The study, conducted from April to September 2022 at a Government care home in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India, delves into the motivations, challenges, and demographics of care home inmates. Using the Ryff Scale, it assesses psychological well-being, shedding light on the diverse reasons for care home enrolment, including family rejection and financial instability. Inmates face constraints such as loss of control and limited familial support. Through purposeful sampling and comprehensive interviews, the research identifies 60 residents. The study profiles predominantly elderly males with varied educational backgrounds and prevalent health conditions. Psychological well-being scores categorize inmates into low, medium, and high groups, with a majority falling into the medium category. Associations between profile characteristics and well-being highlight the positive impact of education and the negative influence of medical illness. Regression analysis confirms these relationships, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions in care homes to address the specific needs of the diverse inmate population. In conclusion, this study underscores the imperative of prioritizing psychological well-being among older adults and provides actionable insights into the motivations, challenges, and demographics of care home inmates. These findings lay the foundation for targeted interventions globally, aiming to enhance the well-being of this expanding demographic.