title: Assessing the mirrors in long-term care homes: a preliminary survey.
abstract: A preliminary survey of the mirrors available to residents was conducted in 10 long-term care homes. The framework underlying the study was Lawton's theory that the planned environment functions to maintain, support, and stimulate. The findings were discouraging. Some facilities had no mirrors available for bedbound residents or wheelchair users. In most facilities, a resident could not view his or her lower body in a mirror. The majority of mirrors were obstructed from view. This pilot study suggests a need for future mirror research. Implications for nursing are discussed, and placement of mirrors is described.
authors.affiliation: Memorial Hermann Home Health & Hospice, Texas Woman's University, Houston, Texas, USA. wyonaf@comcast.net
authors.forename: Wyona M
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Freysteinson
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001828:Body Image; D004779:Environment Design; D005851:Geriatric Nursing; D006272:Health Facility Environment / Q000458:organization & administration; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007374:Interior Design and Furnishings; D008134:Long-Term Care / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D009735:Nursing Homes / Q000458:organization & administration; D055096:Optical Devices / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010812:Physical Stimulation; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012649:Self Concept; D012944:Social Support