Male resident’s experiences of an activity program for men only in a nursing home Eli-Anne Skaug, RNT, MSc, Assistant Professor Vigdis Abrahamsen Grøndahl, RNT, MSc, PhD, Associate Professor Ann Karin Helgesen, RNT, MSc, PhD, Associate Professor 1

Background Residents in Norwegian nursing homes have legal rights to have their basic needs met Previous research highlights that activities offered are dominated by female activities and interests and are rarely tailored to men’s interests A nursing home in Norway offered a special activity program for the male residents

The activity programme Conversation group – one hour once a week Tour group – once a week during summertime out for a walk road trip by bus

Method An explorative Grounded Theory design Interviews with nine residents

A change in everyday life Findings A change in everyday life «I got something to do. I look forward to Tuesdays and Thursdays. It is a change in life.» Being together Getting away

Being together Findings We have a place where we can be together, a place we can sit down and talk. It is a place for gathering.

Findings Getting away I have lost my spirit. To be 100% honest. I do not live a life any longer. I just exist. I do come out, nothing else happens here.

Discussion For men only Of importance to the participants?

A question and comment Will male activity leaders make the offer more person-centered? The activity program can be improved by using the male resident’s life stories actively to become more person-centered

Thank you for your attention Questions? Please contact us: Ann Karin Helgesen, ann.k.helgesen@hiof.no Vigdis Abrahamsen Grøndahl, vigdis.a.grondahl@hiof.no Eli-Anne Skaug, eli.a.skaug@hiof.no Østfold University College Faculty of Health- and Social studies N-1757 Halden Norway All of our image material is from "colourbox".