title: Observed changes in the functioning of nursing home residents after relocation.
abstract: This study investigated the effects of environmental changes on the functioning of nursing home residents who were relocated to a newly built facility. Assessment via a multidimensional observation scale revealed that the physical functioning and orientation of the relocated residents were not affected. A stabilizing effect on mood was noted along with a relative increase in withdrawn behavior. Mortality rate showed a decline. These apparent positive and negative effects are discussed in relation to the conditions surrounding the move, the extent of change, and the relative quality of the new environment.
authors.affiliation: Geriatric Psychiatry Services Royal Ottawa Hospital, Canada.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Bonardi
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Pencer
authors.forename: M F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Tourigny-Rivard
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged / Q000523:psychology*; D000369:Aged, 80 and over / Q000523:psychology; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D009026:Mortality; D009735:Nursing Homes; D011581:Psychological Tests