Understanding the Essence of Home: Older People’s Experience of Home in Australia

This qualitative inquiry explores the experiences of community-living older people in Australia living in their home environment. Participants in this study stated that they were interested in the capacity of the house to support their many and varied occupations, particularly their ability to care for others. They also enjoyed the independence, autonomy and social connectedness that living in their own home afforded them. The importance of the history of the home environment and the emotional connection participants had with the dwelling was another prevalent theme.