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.