Microsoft Word 2007 ichrie conference Proceedings Final-Final 06-06-07. doc

 
2007 Annual International CHRIE Conference & Exposition 
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Social Atmosphere. The term social atmosphere was used to describe that aspect of community living that 
encouraged (or discouraged) general social interaction between and amongst residents. While clearly related to 
social relationships, this aspect of satisfaction is less focused on personal friendships per se, and more on a general 
atmosphere or culture that encourages residents to get outside of their individual residences and interact with the 
larger retirement community. 
Interdependency. The notion of interdependency is related to the notion of dependency/independency (in 
the Service Delivery Environment cluster) but, in our view, is subtly distinct. Interdependency, in this context, 
indicates an implicit or explicit reciprocal relationship between and amongst residents. The interdependency 
between residents can be explicit (“I often drive Mary to the supermarket, but then she helps me by making me go 
for daily walks with her.”) or implicit (“I’m expecting to pre-decease my wife. I know that our friends here will be 
look after her when I am gone.”). While arguably this category could be included in the Service Delivery 
Environment cluster (similar to the Residents’ Committee), as it was not part of the formal service infrastructure it 
appeared to lend itself more to the Social Environment cluster.