The Process and Consequences of Institutionalizing an Elder

Abstract

This qualitative study was conducted to examine the decision-making process and its immediate consequences for family members who placed an elderly loved one in a long-term care facility. To explore issues related to the placement process, in-depth interviews were conducted with 7 individuals who had recently (6 weeks or less) placed an older relative. Content analyses of the interviews were conducted, and several common themes related to the decision-making process and outcomes emerged. Most of the subjects had provided personal care for their elderly relative, so placing their loved one in a nursing home often conflicted with their view of themselves as an ideal caregiver. During the process of making the decision, although family members were given advice and suggestions by health care professionals, this input was viewed as inadequate or even detrimental. Ultimately, subjects described making the decision to place an elderly relative in a long-term care facility as a singular process involving "I" rather than "we." The positive and negative role of friends emerged as an important influence during and after the placement process. The informal validation of the decision to place by peers was the one interaction that family members identified as helpful during this process.

Korean Family Caregivers' Perceptions of Care in Dementia Care Units

“…Due to these changing demographics, increasingly family caregivers will be faced with having to make difficult decisions concerning the continuing care of their family members. Placement of an older adult in a facility is a major stressor for family members and the burden of caregiving does not end after institutionalization (Dellasega & Mastrian, 1995). Common stresses tend to recur with all placements in an institution.…”

“…Thus, the stress they experience from loss of the former relationship with the patient, and guilt associated with placement of the patient in the nursing home is often compounded by felt obligations to continue caregiving and conflict with staff (Buckwalter, Maas, & Reed, 1997). The stress of role conflicts with family members is especially trying for staff when it is added to the stresses of task burden and feelings of inadequacy that are often experienced by staff who are caring for persons with dementia (Dellasega & Mastrian, 1995). Burden and stress evidence that caregivers need support programs or specific interventions.…”

Singaporean Caregivers’ Experiences of Placing a Relative into Long Term Care

“…Previous research indicates that support from other family members and professionals, while often felt to be lacking (Ryan & Scullion, 2000), was crucial in alleviating caregivers' symptoms of depression and improving physical health (Sorensen & Pinquart, 2005). In striving to provide care for as long as possible, Impact of Caring, highlighted the agreement among participants regarding the impact of caregiving and the role changes experienced as a result of placing their relative in the home (Dellasega & Mastrian, 1995). Caregivers undergo significant changes in their role which may include taking on the care recipient's areas of responsibility, which ultimately increased the caregiver's workload.…”

Unsuitable Treatment With the Elderly From Family Relations in the Nursing Homes

“…(Barvíková, 2005, s. 66) Rodinní pečovatelé si musí vyjasnit, jaký vztah zaujmou k profesionálním pečovatelům a redefinovat svoji vlastní identitu a roli. (Dellasega, Mastrian, 1995) Ryan-Scullion (2000) uvádí, že rodina si při péči o blízkého v ústavní péči většinou připisuje úlohu poskytování sociální a emociální podpory a dále úlohu sledování a vyhodnocování kvality a efektivity poskytované péče. Vzájemný vztah tak zpravidla pokračuje i po umístění seniora v institucionální péči.…”