1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. Method An explorative Grounded Theory design
Interviews with nine residents

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. Discussion
For men only
Of importance to the participants?

9. 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

10. Thank you for your attention
Questions? Please contact us:
Ann Karin Helgesen,
Vigdis Abrahamsen Grøndahl,
Eli-Anne Skaug,
Østfold University College Faculty of Health- and Social studies N-1757 Halden Norway
All of our image material is from "colourbox".