How do levels of nursing home adjustment differ by length of stay?

The purpose of this study was to explore how residents' adjustment is different depending on the length of stay in nursing homes. A total of 161 cognitively intact residents completed a survey questionnaire of the Nursing Home Adjustment Scale (NHAS) and demographic information. Controlling for activities of daily living function, a generalized linear model demonstrated that the levels of nursing home adjustment are different depending on the length of stay for nursing home residents. Residents who stayed 12 months or more (Groups 4 or 5) showed the highest NHAS scores, followed by the group who stayed under 3 months (Groups 1 or 2), and those who stayed 3 months or more but under 12 months (Group 3) had the lowest NHAS scores. Knowing that residents' life adjustment might vary based on the length of stay, nursing home staff can identify residents' level of adjustment, predict their needs and implement interventions in a timely manner.