title: A micro-analysis of "senility": the responses of the family and the health professionals.
abstract: In research on 167 post-hospitalized older people, thirty individuals were described by their families as being senile. In comparisons of the behaviorally impaired with those who have only a physical condition, it was found that the behaviorally impaired were significantly more likely to be placed in a nursing home than were those with serious physical impairment. In this sub-group, the family also was much more likely to seek-out health professionals for advice in the disposition of the patient, although mental health professionals were rarely consulted. Through a case study analysis, we analyze the interactions between the patients, their families and the health professions as a three-stage process where the patient's behaviors become increasingly specified and elaborated. As a result behaviors formerly tolerated become a formal problem where the solution is likely to be institutionalization.
mesh_terms: D000359:Aftercare / Q000523:psychology; D000368:Aged; D003704:Dementia / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007326:Institutionalization; D008297:Male; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D012917:Social Adjustment; D012944:Social Support