Few studies explore the process of institutionalization and caregivers’ needs surrounding this transition. The literature indicates that placement of a relative with AD is a solution of last resort, often occurring in a crisis situation. Institutionalization is also considered an additional AD caregiver stressor with long-term consequences on physical, emotional, and social, well being. Purpose: The purpose of this exploratory study was to investigate the process of nursing home placement from the perspective of the family caregiver. Specific aims were to: 1) Explore the process of nursing home placement experienced by family caregivers of persons with AD, 2) Identify unmet caregiver needs immediately before and after placement, and 3) Identify caregiver suggested interventions. Theoretical Framework: The AD Caregiver Stress Process Model (Pearlin et al., 1990) was used to guide this investigation. Subjects: The study used a sample of AD caregivers who placed their relative over the course of a longitudinal, randomized clinical trial (RO1 NR04561). From the total of 82 caregivers in the parent study who placed their care receivers in a nursing home, a convenience sample of 27 individuals was selected for this study. Method: Phone interviews used a semi-structured interview guide to collect data. The Atlas/ti software program was used to store, code, and analyze the content of the phone interviews. Intra and inter rater reliability was established. Results: Five major categories describing the nursing home placement process were identified: Concerns, Difficulties, Knowledge needed, Changes, and Self care. AD caregiver suggested interventions addressing knowledge, skills, and emotional support needs are being discussed. Conclusions: This study is relevant in that it describes the process of placement from the caregivers’ perspective and highlights potential interventions to meet caregivers’ needs surrounding institutionalization of relatives with AD.
This study was made possible by a MNRS Early Researcher Seed Grant.
Session #1183 - Cognitive Impairment
The 29th Annual MNRS Research Conference (April 1-4, 2005)