Family members’ perspectives on environmental changes in a long-term care facility: Lessons from a case study

Abstract

Social models of care focus on residents’ needs, preferences, and quality of life. This case study examines one nursing home’s attempt to convert to this type of care model and the environmental renovation that was planned to accompany changes in care delivery. A family member for each of 15 residents was interviewed prior to the renovation and two years later after its completion. At pre-renovation, they expressed a preference for the facility to be more attractive and less institutional in appearance and care routines, and for care to be more personalized and sensitive. At follow-up, family members were appreciative of the facility’s improved aesthetics, but remained dissatisfied with the continued institutional nature of the setting and lack of change in care routines. Successful conversion to social models of care requires involvement of families and multiple levels of staff in planning and implementation, and coordination of environmental and care delivery changes.