STUDENT INTERVIEW GUIDE FOR THE OLDER ADULT VISIT

1. Introduce yourself and the purpose of interview.
2. Tell the older adult that you are interviewing him/her for a class project
and that you will share information obtained in the interview with your
teacher and with your classmates.
3. Tell the older adult that you will not identify him or her by name, but that
you will identify the older adult by referring to their relationship to you (i.e.
“my grandfather” or “my next door neighbor”).
4. If the older adult is not comfortable with these criteria, thank the older
adult for his or her time and tell the older adult that you will not continue
with the interview because you respect his or her right to privacy.

SAMPLE INTERVIEW INTRODUCTORY STATEMENT:
Once the older adult has accepted the criteria listed above, give a brief summary
of the purpose of your interview and try to explain the value of this experience for
you, for nursing education, and for improving the care provided to older adults
living in the community.

“I am so appreciative that you have volunteered to participate with me in my
class project. I am a student nurse and I am very interested in the experiences
that you have had living independently in the community. I realize that I have
much to learn from you and from your experiences, and I am grateful that you
have provided me with this opportunity to do that. I am particularly interested in
your stories of how living independently has influenced your life, the kinds of
things that happen to you, and maybe how you are reminded on a day-to-day
basis about what it is like to be living independently even though you may
experience some common health problems. By telling me your stories I will gain
an understanding of what it is like for you to be healthy and to live on your own.”

1. Can you tell me a story that stands out for you that would show me what
living independently in the community means to you?
2. What is your daily routine like?
Consider:
 Personal care needs such as hygiene, house cleaning, etc.
 Grocery shopping, preparing meals
 Medication (if any) routine

 Time with spouse/partner, family, friends, or neighbors
 Health care provider appointments
 Leisure activities
3. While living here, what are your wishes and expectations? What are your
dreams and plans?
4. Tell me about your childhood. (Hometown, parents, siblings, school, etc.)
5. What are the most important things to you?
6. What are some traditions that you participate in? (Holidays, etc.)
7. What risks do you see for yourself? Are there some risks that you’re
willing to take or not take related to your health and wellbeing? Describe