Table 1 The data analysis

To manage on your own

To have it as usual

To long for appreciation

Theme 1. Having space to be yourself

In command of space

To still be able to manage on their own.

To have everyday life run as usual.

To be appreciated and receive compliments from staff.

Having the sense that they are capable of things. A solution was to get space from staff to be themselves.

Being free and having command of the self.

To not be able to do what you want

To adapt to others

To be lonely

To be questioned

Theme 2. No space to be yourself

Curtailed space

Different diseases had affected them and their mobility was limited.

The older person had to wait for their turn.

To feel lonely, missing others and activities.

To have trouble with being questioned and reminded by staff.

Daily life was curtailed and they had lost themselves. An obstacle became that they did not have space to be themselves.

Others possibly curtailing our space.

To sense reciprocity

To feel connected

To belong to the family

Theme 3. Belonging and security

To be at home

Affection and reciprocity between staff and the older persons.

To feel connected with others and family. The mealtimes give a sense of belonging.

There was a sense of belonging among the persons who said they belonged to a family.

Being provided with a reciprocal relationship with staff and a sense of belonging with staff and others. A solution was to sense belonging, security and a feeling of home.

A place where one can feel attachment and find a shelter.

No interaction

To be left alone

Theme 4. A feeling of insecurity

To be lost

The older persons had no interaction with others. Staff had no time.

Some of the older persons had no or few relatives/friends who came to visit.

Losing others from no interaction and losing themselves. An obstacle was the feeling of insecurity.

A place where you experience loneliness and difficultly navigating.

To have something to do

To learn new things

To go outside

To remember

Theme 5. Longing for something to happen

Freedom

Something that interrupts daily life is a distraction and is rewarding.

To learn what had happened in society and in the world.

It did not have to be a major activity, even just sitting.

To be alone and remember what had happened earlier in life.

Occurrence interrupts the routines. A solution was having something happen.

Freedom implies an openness and participation with the outside world.