Characteristics Related to Elderly Persons' Perceived Difficulty of Remaining in Their Current Homes

The purpose of this study was to discoverfactors related to elderly persons' perceived difficulty of remaining in their current homes as they grow older. On the basis of the literature review, a conceptual framework was developed to guide the procedure for the research project. Data collected through personal interviews with 192 older persons living in a Midwestern state were examined using analyses of variance with the least significant difference test and chi‐square distributions. The findings suggest that unless older individuals are personally experiencing health and mobility problems, are currently having difficulty performing routine tasks, and/or are livingfurtherfrom services, they are not likely to perceive that it will be difficult to remain in their current homes as they advance in age. They do not appear to take into consideration the absence of support‐relatedfactors thatforce many older persons to leave their homes. Educational programs that help older persons recognize possiblefuture challenges and make appropriate plans are suggested.