Experiences With Involuntary Nursing Home Relocation: The Staff Perspective. (October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Weaver, Raven H.; Roberto, Karen A.; Brossoie, Nancy; Teaster, Pamela B.
• Is Part Of: Journal of applied gerontology. Volume 40:Number 10(2021)
• Page Start: 1206
• Page End: 1214
• Publication Date: 2021-10
• Subjects: institutional care -- long-term services and supports -- qualitative methods -- health services -- involuntary relocation; Gerontology -- Periodicals; 362.6
• DOI: 10.1177/0733464820952253
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0733-4648

Abstract

Although involuntary nursing home closures for operational and care-related reasons occur infrequently, few studies have examined the centrality of the actions of staff to facilitate residents' relocation adjustment. We interviewed 18 administrators and 43 staff working at 27 facilities about the relocation process for residents from two facilities that lost their Medicare and State Medicaid certification due to ongoing care deficiencies. Thematic analysis revealed three major themes throughout each aspect of the relocation process: (a) staff expectations were not met, (b) barriers/challenges were persistent, and (c) resident/family involvement was minimal. We offer proactive participant-derived recommendations for policy and practice to strengthen involuntary relocation processes to ensure a cooperative work environment and residents' well-being, regardless of the cause for involuntary closure.