Intra-Institutional Relocation: Its Impact on Long-Term Care Patients

Abstract

Among the elderly, relocation is often reported as a stressful and a life-threatening event. This study monitored the impact of intra-institutional relocation upon the mortality and morbidity of movers and nonmovers over a period of 30 months. Results reveal a higher mortality rate and a greater decrement on the physical and mental functioning of male patients who were transferred. These relocation effects are discussed in the light of known factors that influence the outcome of relocation such as the effective casework and preparation of the patients, the voluntariness of the move, and the extent of the environmental change involved.