Being a man in long term care

PurposeMen tend to represent a distinct minority in long term care (LTC) facilities. Here we explore men's seldom examined experience in LTC.Design and methodsAs part of a major study of Bereavement in Long Term Care, we focus on 21 men who live in five LTC facilities (assisted living facilities and nursing homes). Transcribed qualitative, in-person interviews are examined using standard qualitative analytic methods.ResultsThrough multiple rounds of coding three inter-related themes emerged as salient. (1) Men's work experience as central to their sense of identity. (2) The presence of a wife often is associated with men's sense of couplehood and of feeling protective. (3) Men often regulate their relationships with other LTC residents.ImplicationsDiscussion examines how these three themes are related to men's maintenance of a masculine role in LTC.