How do levels of nursing home adjustment differ by length of stay?

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore how residents' adjustment is different depending on the length of stay in nursing homes. A total of 161 cognitively intact residents completed a survey questionnaire of the Nursing Home Adjustment Scale (NHAS) and demographic information. Controlling for activities of daily living function, a generalized linear model demonstrated that the levels of nursing home adjustment are different depending on the length of stay for nursing home residents. Residents who stayed 12 months or more (Groups 4 or 5) showed the highest NHAS scores, followed by the group who stayed under 3 months (Groups 1 or 2), and those who stayed 3 months or more but under 12 months (Group 3) had the lowest NHAS scores. Knowing that residents' life adjustment might vary based on the length of stay, nursing home staff can identify residents' level of adjustment, predict their needs and implement interventions in a timely manner.

Relationships among person-centered care, nursing home adjustment, and life satisfaction: a cross-sectional survey study

“…In particular, residents in the early relocation phase reported the highest levels of emotional distress. The emotional distress symptoms did not disappear, but remained to some degree regardless of the length of stay (Yu et al, 2016). A supportive staff attitude and tangible support were significantly associated with less psychological distress for the nursing home residents at week one post-relocation (Keister, 2006).…”

The factors of adaptation to nursing homes in mainland China: a cross-sectional study

“…This study indicated that a longer length of stay was a facilitator of transition. A longer length of stay might lead to better life adjustment for residents, but life adjustment could be an on-going dynamic process rather than a static state after stabilization [11]. A longer length of stay was associated with better communication with staff as well as residents' feelings of being respected in Singapore [38].…”

“…A longer length of stay was associated with better communication with staff as well as residents' feelings of being respected in Singapore [38]. Residents who stayed for twelve months or more showed the highest NHAS scores [11]. Brooke reported that the disorganization phase lasted 6-8 weeks after relocation [39].…”

“…Xiao defined the operational concept of nursing home adjustment which included five dimensions: emotional distress, relationship development, acceptance of new residence, depressed mood, and feeling at home [10]. Nursing home adjustment varies depending on the length of stay, interventions should be taken during the most effective period because appropriate interventions are carried out promptly to improve effectively older adults' quality of life in nursing homes [11]. Promoting factors of nursing home adjustment included satisfaction with the facility and the care that they received.…”

What is the future for “nursing” in care for older people?

“…The impact on the quantity of care delivered has been described (Willis et al, ) but how can this not also affect the quality of care? One index of this is the shortage of research set in aged care facilities: in this journal, the reader needs to go back more than a year to April 2017 to find the most recent work focused on aged care nurses (Shahar, Mendelson, & Ben Natan, ) and to October 2016 to find work on care in nursing homes (Yu, Yoon, & Grau, ).…”