Depressive Signs and Daily Life of Residents When Relocating from a Regular to an Innovative Nursing Home.

OBJECTIVES

In this study, we examine how residents are affected by moving from a regular nursing home into an innovative living arrangement. In the past decade, a culture change has taken place, leading to rapid developments of innovative living arrangements that aim to change the physical, social, and organizational environment to better suit the needs of older adults needing 24-hour care. This has inevitably led to more group relocations in long-term care. Insight into the change in residents when relocating is lacking.

DESIGN

An observational longitudinal study.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Four Dutch care organizations in which 5 relocations took place from a regular to an innovative living arrangement. Residents (N = 97) requiring 24-hour care who were relocated from a regular nursing home to an innovative living arrangement were included.

METHODS

Data were collected 1 month before, 2 weeks after, and 6 months after relocating. Depressive signs and symptoms, cognitive functioning, and dependence in activities of daily living were measured using questionnaires. Furthermore, the daily lives of the residents were assessed using ecological momentary assessments.

RESULTS

Overall, no long-term change in depressive signs and symptoms, cognitive functioning, and dependence in activities of daily living was found when relocating. Furthermore, the daily life of residents was not different 6 months after moving. Relocating was accompanied by a significant short-term increase in depressive signs and symptoms in 2 out of 4 locations (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

This study shows that relocating to an innovative living arrangement does not lead to long-term changes in residents. There are indications that there might be a short-term change in depressive signs and symptoms that could be prevented by considering the approach and context. More research is needed into the changes in the physical, social, and organizational environment that are necessary for a positive impact on the daily lives of residents.