Sammanfattning
Objective: For many groups of elderly people it is important to be active, which can be hindered
by disabilities that come with age. Research has progressed in this area but mostly concerns the
elderly living at home. The aim of this study was to examine how residents and staff at a nursing
home described the residents’ everyday doings. Methods: A nursing home was selected in which 15
of the residents and six of the staff were interviewed about the residents’ activities during an
ordinary day and week. Results: The material was analysed using qualitative content analysis in
which two categories emerged: shared doings and individual doings. The shared doings were
important for supporting the residents in their social and physical activities, but participation in these
was often hampered by reduced functions. The individual doings, where the residents’ own interests
can be promoted, were also hampered by their disabilities. Being able to be active and having
something to do were emphasized, either continuing with previous activities or participating in
shared activities at the nursing home. Conclusions: Receiving care and being forced to adjust to the
context at the nursing home had a significant impact on the residents’ daily doings. Most of the
residents needed help to be able to continue performing their activities or to find new ones. The
social environment consisting of other residents and staff also influenced the residents’ activities.