Nursing Home Involuntary Relocation: Clinical Outcomes and Perceptions of Residents and Families

Relocation is a stressful event; however, a move to a higher quality care environment does not result in any significant physical or mental health changes. The high incidence of falls post-transfer in both those with and without a fall history points to the need for extra fall precautions in newly admitted residents. In particular, frequent reorientation reminders for the cognitively intact and a high level of staff surveillance for all new residents is indicated during the first few weeks of admission.