Survival status of elderly nursing home residents following involuntary relocation

Abstract

Survival status of 45 elderly skilled nursing care residents was examined over a 42 month period following involuntary interinstitutional relocation. Medical and relocation planning records provided data to examine survival status of residents in relation to focal and contextual stimuli. Results were compared to a relocation study previously conducted in the same community. Significant relationships existed between survival status and family support and participation in relocation planning event. A higher percentage of subjects survived who did not have family support and did not participate in planning events. A significant relationship was found between time intervals in which deaths of male and female subjects occurred. In the first nine months, 13 of 14 males died; six of the 14 females died. No significant relationships were found between survival status and age, gender, mobility, or dementia. Findings suggest the need for continued study of variables affecting survival status of relocated elders.