Abstract:

Discusses the psychological benefits older people derive from living in their own homes. The benefits of "home" (a residence, owned or rented, that a person has occupied for several years) are found in several categories: independence, such as privacy and control over physical features of the home environment; familiarity of a particular home environment, for example, ease of finding one's way around; residence in a specific neighborhood, including a social network of neighbors and friends and access to community services; activities of home maintenance; home as a place to entertain, to reciprocate hospitality, and to pursue avocational activities; and the home as a locus of meaning. The particular psychological aspects of staying home most important to particular individuals are likely to depend on gender, socioeconomic status, health status, and marital status. However, home repairs and maintenance can be costly and burdensome, which may lead some already-depressed older people to sell their homes, move closer to relatives, or give up independent living. The influences of some common personality styles (for example, compulsive, hysterical, or narcissistic personalities) on the psychological meaning of "home" are discussed, along with the concept of institutions as homes, the psychological meaning of second homes, and implications for caregivers. It is concluded that attention to these psychological issues is likely to improve resident satisfaction with new models of housing for the elderly.