Introduction: Ageing is a biological process that takes place in all living beings from their birth to their death. With regard to the constant increase in the age of residents, the question of institutional care is becoming more and more important. The transition from their home environment to a nursing home is for most people one of the hardest changes in their lives. The greatest loss for the elderly is, in addition to health deterioration, the loss of their own home. Aim: The aim of this paper is to study research findings in the field of elders’ transition from their home environment to a nursing home. We particularly want to determine how their lifestyle, routines, and habits change, which is a result of the change in one's living environment, and what the role of an occupational therapist is in this process. Work methods: A descriptive method with a review of relevant literature was used. The synthesis included literature published between the years 2008 and 2019. Ten articles, written in English, were reviewed and analysed. Results: Most frequently, the reason behind a transition is the deterioration of health and bodily functions, the desire for security and social inclusion, and the fear of overburdening one's relatives. Meaningful activities and an everyday routine present a great and important part of people’s identity, and they consequently contribute to their good health and well-being. During the transition, the elderly wanted to preserve meaningful activities and habits, especially those that form a part of their identity. Upon the transition to nursing care, the elderly do not necessarily need to change the type of activities they engage in, only the pattern of performing activities and their frequency. Some types of activities become more common, for example, cultural and social activities, while others may become less common, for example, shopping and computer-based activities. Discussion and conclusion: The role of an occupational therapist during elders’ transition from their home environment to an institutional environment is to enable the elderly to perform activities that are meaningful to them. Occupational therapy affects physical, mental, and cognitive performance of an individual, and, consequently, their adaptation to the new environment. Successful adaptation is related to the participation in important activities, and most of the elderly perceive in this a feeling of home and homeliness.
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