Frail Older Persons' Experiences of Interinstitutional Relocation

This study examined the effects and experiences of an interinstitutional relocation on older persons' quality of life, wellbeing, and perceived person-centeredness. A pre-test/post-test mixed method design, with an equivalent reference group, was used to examine relationships between variables and to explore personal meaning. Results indicate a significantly larger deterioration in perceived person centeredness among those cognitively intact residents that moved compared to the non-movers. Interviews with moving residents revealed that the relocation was experienced as uncontrollable, un-affectable, and uncertain. However, no significant relocation effects were found from the proxy ratings of the cognitively impaired residents. Nursing interventions that involve, inform, and prepare older persons prior to interinstitutional relocation to enhance their sense of control of the move might minimize adverse relocation effects. Further research is needed on the effects of interinstitutional relocations, which procedures that should be used, as well as effects of preparatory interventions.