In my thesis, I conducted research on the participation of residents of the home for the older people in organizing their daily lives. The theoretical part focused on defining and describing quality aging, homes for older people, personal planning in homes for older people, the concept of participation and care in homes for older people, the importance of decision-making in one's own life in old age, and finally, describing social work in homes for older people. Through a qualitative study, I collected data using a partially standardized interview method, with a sample consisting of five residents and one social worker, as well as participant observation, with a sample of four residents. I examined ways in which residents are enabled to make decisions about their lives and participate in organizing care in the home for older people. I also formulated four research questions that guided me throughout the data collection process. Through qualitative data analysis, I found that the staff at the home for elder people involve residents in discussions about their desires, suggestions, comments, satisfaction, and criticism regarding the organization of daily life. Residents are provided with the opportunity to express their own opinions, but some experience a lack of comfort in communicating with the staff about the functioning of the home and the staff themselves. The results also revealed that independently mobile residents have more choices in participating in organized group activities in the home for the older people compared to residents who are less mobile and rarely leave their rooms. I recommend expanding the range of activity offerings for all residents and establishing a group to encourage resident expression of opinions, where they can use anonymous surveys.
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