Involuntary Relocation from Residential Homes: Quantitative Analysis of Mortality, Research Review and Relevance to Practice

Abstract

This article discusses how quantitative evidence can contribute directly to social work practice alongside three other sources of evidence: a brief literature review on the subject of relocation; the contribution of qualitative research in this area; critical reflection by the social work practitioner involved.The article reports on practitioner research comparing mortality rates of a sample of older people from private residential homes who were relocated involuntarily with a sample of older people who have just moved to a private residential home. It concludes that there is not a significant difference in the mortality of the two groups.This is followed by a literature review to consider other important aspects of relocation such as morbidity and qualitative research. Finally, critical reflection is looked at through some cases examples.

Keywords:

• home closures
• involuntary relocation
• mortality rates