Sociocultural aspects of transitions from assisted living for residents with dementia.
OBJECTIVE
Negotiating transitions and residential relocation are especially difficult for residents with dementia and their families. This article examined the decision-making process regarding retention or transfer of persons with dementia in assisted living facilities.


METHODS
Using an ethnographic approach, this study observed residents and facility life, and interviewed residents, staff, and family members in three assisted living facilities.


RESULTS
Facility managers and administrators are pivotal figures in determining the timing of transitions and transitional care. Operating within the context of care requirements of dementia, they, the facility culture, and the family members' involvement in resident care mediate interpretations of and responses to change and decline, and ultimately influence decision making regarding retention or transfer.


CONCLUSIONS
Transfer or retention may occur differently depending on whether managers are on- or off-site, the assisted living culture is dementia-friendly, and families are involved in care. Sensitizing assisted living managers and educating potential residents and family members to the importance of these factors may affect the eventual likelihood and timing of discharge.
Mead
Louise Crawford
LC
Center for Aging Studies, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA.
Eckert
J Kevin
JK
Zimmerman
Sheryl
S
Schumacher
John G
JG
D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D040561:Assisted Living Facilities / Q000458:organization & administration; D003469:Culture; D003657:Decision Making; D003704:Dementia / Q000523:psychology*; D005190:Family; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D010360:Patient Transfer