Older adults' expectations to move: do they predict actual community-based or nursing facility moves within 2 years?

Objective: This study examined the relationship between older adults' expectations to move and actual residential relocation in the community or to a nursing facility within 2 years.

Method: Two waves of data (2000, 2002) from the Health and Retirement Study were used to compare expectations with subsequent moves. Logistic regression techniques were used to analyze the association between decision outcomes and expectations to move, health and functioning, physical environment, informal supports, and formal services.

Results: Findings indicated that expectations to move did predict community-based moves but did not predict moves to nursing facilities. Additional factors had significant effects but did not diminish relationships between expectations and actual moves.

Discussion: Results support the residential decision process as a dynamic one based on the cumulative effect of factors from an ecological model. Findings will inform policy makers and practitioners as they work to support older adults' preferences to remain living in their homes.