In this study, critical ethnography was used to explore the factors that help motivate people in a geriatric rehabilitation unit and factors that decreased motivation. Five key informants were chosen using purposeful selection. The participants were white women with an average age of 87. The women were interviewed within the first week of admission and follow up interviews were done at 3‐ to 5‐day intervals. Each informant was interviewed at least three times and one informant was interviewed eight times. Additionally, participants were observed in therapy and on the nursing unit. The following themes emerged regarding factors that improved motivation — goals, humor, caring, beliefs, encouragement, a motive disposition, and “power with” relationships. Several factors decreased motivation including feelings of domination and negative beliefs. The study helped identify ways in which clinicians can motivate older adults in a geriatric rehabilitation program.