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Intrainstitutional relocation. Effects on residents' behavior and psychosocial functioning
S M Lander1, A L Brazill, P M Ladrigan
1University of Rochester, USA.
Journal of Gerontological Nursing
|April 1, 1997
Summary
Intrainstitutional relocation impacts elderly residents, especially those with cognitive or psychiatric disorders, affecting behavior and increasing medical visits. Preparation and support can mitigate relocation stress over time.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Psychiatric Research
- Long-term Care
Background:
- Relocation effects in the elderly are a long-standing gerontologic research area.
- Previous studies focused on cognitively able individuals.
- Long-term care residents often have cognitive impairments or psychiatric illnesses, necessitating research on relocation impacts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the effects of intrainstitutional relocation on behavior and psychosocial functioning.
- To compare impacts in residents with and without cognitive, mood, or psychotic disorders.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 78 residents undergoing intrainstitutional relocation.
- Data collected pre-move and 1, 3 months post-move.
- Assessed self-care, disoriented behavior, depressed/anxious mood, irritable behavior, and withdrawn behavior using the Multidimensional Observation Scale for Elderly Subjects (MOSES).
Main Results:
- Increased medical visits post-relocation (p = .04).
- Significant weight loss in mood/psychotic disorder groups (p = .04).
- Cognitively impaired residents showed significant differences in self-care and withdrawn behavior at 3 months post-move (p = 0.01).
Conclusions:
- Relocation can negatively impact behavior and psychosocial functioning, particularly in residents with cognitive or psychiatric disorders.
- Extensive preparation and support may diminish relocation stress.
- Further research is needed to understand long-term effects and develop targeted interventions.