Table 1 Summary of the emergent themes, and core theme

“We’re a weird bunch getting together here, but we’re not together ... That’s what makes us so different.” (P28)

Fellow residents a resource and a burden

Myself and my relationships with fellow residents

Tensions between the experiences of a nursing home being a home and an institution

Community

Loneliness

Mercy

New friendship

Diversity

Respect

“They’re old ones here, and it’s hard to ask them any questions, so that’s not what I’m about to do, because it could be misconstrued if I go around asking questions. As a nurse, I see what needs to be done, to improve things. I know I could talk more with the patients. They are old ones who are here and unable to think about what they used to have or do. If it is reading, I read to them, but they can’t do it, it would be they upside down.” (P17)

Passivity

Activity

To align themselves

Reading

Indulgence

Initiative

Attention

“Here you do not have to worry about anything. I sleep in the evening and get up in the morning and it couldn’t have been nicer.” (P8)

Safety

Creation of individualised living spaces

Sleep safe

Relax

No worries

Autonomy

Empowerment

‘In a way, I feel slightly at home, but now, I’m so forgetful that I don’t remember if it’s Dad or me who was here. Who owns this room in a way?’ (P15)

Fear

Insecure

Confusion

Forgetful

Powerlessness

Lack of control