Continuity in the midst of change: behaviors of residents relocated from a nursing home environment to small households.

Abstract

A time-sampling procedure was used to observe behaviors of 22 long-term-care residents with dementia (Mini-Mental State Exam median, 11.94; range 0-23) in public areas before and after relocation from a traditional nursing home environment to 2 small household units. Two trained observers noted the occurrence of 19 social behaviors (14 verbal, 5 nonverbal) in which the resident intentionally interacted with another person. Another 19 nonsocial behaviors (16 active, 3 passive) were also coded. Analysis by t tests of 6 groupings of behaviors showed no significant differences before and after relocation, with the exception of nonverbal social interactions. Overall, residents showed consistency in both social and nonsocial behaviors. Results are interpreted in light of personal, social, and environmental continuity despite the many changes associated with the relocation.