IS THERE AN ‘OPTIMAL TIME’ FOR A PERSON WITH DEMENTIA TO MOVE TO A CARE HOME?

Abstract

Deciding to move into a care home may be a difficult decision for people with dementia and their family carers. There is limited evidence regarding how the decision evolves. This study aims to identify what the drivers of these decisions are and if there is an ‘optimal’ or best time (if any) for a person with dementia to move into a care home. A mixed methods methodology is used to address the study's aims. Part 1: systematic review of existing literature. Part 2: qualitative interviews with people with dementia, family carers, care home managers and social workers, asking them about their experiences and opinions of moving into a care home. Part 3: factorial survey with professionals working with people with dementia and their families, using a series of vignettes to determine what set of factors contribute to making a decision about a person with dementia moving to a care home. Findings from the review identified three overriding themes: 1) precursors to placement, 2) the decision-making process, and 3) evaluation of the decision post-placement. ‘Time’ of the move to a care home was absent from much of the literature, although inferences were made. Overall, the decision-making process was reported to be cyclic, with family carers constantly re-evaluating when might be the time to make the move. Preliminary findings from the qualitative component of the study (part 2) will also be presented. Next steps for the research will be discussed, along with the study's plans for impact and dissemination.