Families' experiences of long-term care placement: Adaptation and intervention

Abstract

The objective of this review is to critically synthesise and evaluate prior research on families and the transition to residential long-term care (e.g., nursing homes). Descriptive studies that explain family adaptation to placement were identified and reviewed; in addition, intervention strategies designed to improve family involvement and resident outcomes following nursing home placement were critically appraised. Future efforts that provide more direct empirical links between family involvement and resident outcomes and offer rigorous evaluation of interventions will advance the literature. In this manner, more refined clinical strategies will be developed that assist families and their loved ones to adapt to the long-term care experience.