A nursing perspective on SCUs.

Much of what is in the literature regarding nursing of AD patients and their families is anecdotal, has not been validated by systematic research, and is atheoretical. The majority of nursing research in AD has focused on patient characteristics and problem behaviors or on the needs and experiences of family care givers rather than on characteristics of SCUs. Research should continue in these areas, along with testing nursing interventions to maintain the optimal cognitive, physical, social, and emotional function of residents with AD in institutional settings. Explanatory theories should be devised and tested to advance the development of nursing knowledge in the care of residents with AD and family care givers. Finally, more evaluation research is needed to test the cost effectiveness of SCU programs, including effects on residents with AD, family members, and staff care givers.