Abstract
Ageing is a biological process that affects all human beings. Although some of the elderly age alone or with their families, many are forced by various social and economic factors to opt for institutional care for better care and support. Informed by an ecological framework, this qualitative exploratory aimed at exploring those factors that influence older persons to opt for residential care facilities in Pretoria, Gauteng Province. Through purposive sampling, 15 older persons and 5 key informants were selected at Vans Rensburg Old Age Home in Pretoria. Data was collected through two focus group discussions; one with 8 older persons and the other 5 key informants in addition to the semi-structured interviews were administered to the 7 older persons. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse data. The findings show that the older people’s ecological circumstances were varied ranging from poor family support systems, poor housing with no adaptive fitments to support their daily activities. Boredom and ageing related illnesses also compelled older adults to opt for residential care facilities with the hope that their physical and psychosocial needs will be catered for. The study emphasises the need to appreciate the variety of experiences of older people and the need to customise support systems to meet these distinct needs.