Generation 2 Generation: OT Students’ Experience with Well Older Adults in a CCRC

As older adults move out of their homes and into continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), literature describes the phenomenon of "relocation stress system" wherein many have difficulty transitioning to their new environment. To help students understand and appreciate working with older adults in this environment, an intergenerational project and fieldwork experience was developed between third year occupational therapy doctoral students and residents living in a CCRC. Students met with their clients during the semester and presented findings in class. This experience emphasized concepts of therapeutic use of self-wellness, clinical reasoning, and delivering client-centered, occupation-based care.