The power of connectedness: Vital communities for people with long-term care needs

Vital communities (VCs) are becoming increasingly important in society due to the aging in place movement, with attention focussed on the community and informal network of older persons. However, there is no clear conceptualization of a VC, especially not when people with long-term care (LTC) needs are included. In the current situation, one often sees that older adults with care needs are excluded from the community. This study aims to conceptualize a VC, focusing on older people with LTC needs. An iterative multimethod approach was used. A hermeneutic review of the vitality and community literature, including LTC literature, was performed to identify the constructs that lead to a community and vitality. Two focus groups (n = 15 and n = 9) were conducted to discuss the framing of the literature into a framework. Seven building blocks were identified in a pyramid structure: the Vital Community Pyramid (VCP). At the “foundational level” of the VCP lies interaction, an essential prerequisite for developing and sustaining communities. The second level involves “activity building blocks,” specifically active participation and reciprocity. These encompass actions undertaken by members for the mutual benefit of the community. The third level, the “community-creation level” consists of the desire to belong, a sense of community, and adherence to community norms. The building blocks within this level transform a group of individuals into a community. Finally, resilience crowns the pyramid in the fourth level called the “vital community level” and captures the community's ability to persist over time. A VC seems to be applicable to people who require LTC. The VCP can potentially guide initiators and other stakeholders involved in a VC and can contribute to the facilitation of including people with LTC needs in VCs. Future research should focus on the empirical evidence of VCs and their impact.