A Case Study Approach to Nursing Home Placement: Smooth and Difficult Cases and Implications for Nursing.

Nursing home placement is one of the most challenging aspects of the caregiving journey. A case study approach was used to understand the experiences of caregivers during the first few months following nursing home placement. Two caregivers were selected from a larger qualitative descriptive study because their experiences exemplified smooth and difficult transitions for both themselves and their older family member. The caregivers were interviewed shortly after placement and 3 months post-placement. Four major contextual issues were identified that indicated the similarities and differences between the two cases, including (a) the caregiver's relationship with the older adult during the home caregiving time and post nursing home placement, (b) the circumstances surrounding placement, (c) support systems, and (d) continued involvement in care post-placement. Nursing home staff who understand these issues and address concerns through family-centered care can ease the transition and promote successful collaborations between staff and families.

Family Caregivers Define and Manage the Nursing Home Placement Process.

The nursing home placement process is complex and difficult for family caregivers. This qualitative descriptive study examines the experiences of caregivers involved in the management of care and placement of an older family member using the Family Management Style Framework. Ten caregivers were recruited from four nursing homes in the Midwest. The caregivers were interviewed shortly after placement and again 3 months post-placement. Results provide a unique understanding of care management and the nursing home placement process from the perspective of the primary family caregiver. Overall, there were similarities across the same types of caregiving dyads, for example, spousal and adult-children caregivers. Caregivers expressed the need to maintain the identity of their older family member, a familial responsibility for caregiving, and change in their family relationship over time. Appreciating caregivers' challenges and needs gives health care professionals a better understanding for how to provide assistance for a smoother nursing home transition.