Journal of Gerontological Nursing
Vol. 36 No. 6 June 2010
By Faranak Aminzadeh, MScN, RN, GNC (C); William B. Dalziel, MD, FRCP (C); Frank J. Molnar, MSc, MDCM, FRCP (C); Linda J. Garcia, PhD, S-LP (C), Reg. CASLPO
ABSTRACT
The sociophysical home environment is an integral component of everyday coping, self-identity, and well-being for individuals with dementia; however, residential discontinuity is a common experience for many of these individuals. This article examined the meanings, functions, and experiences associated with living at home for individuals with dementia at the critical point of relocation to a residential care facility. Qualitative research methods were used to analyze in-depth interviews with 16 individuals with dementia at their homes within 2 months prior to relocation. At the time of relocation, living at home had become a paradoxical experience for most participants. The findings inform practice and policy interventions at both individual and societal levels to help individuals with dementia age in place for as long as possible and to maximize their efforts to “place” themselves in their new living environments after relocation.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Ms. Aminzadeh is Academic Consultant, School of Nursing, Dr. Dalziel and Dr. Molnar are Associate Professors, Faculty of Medicine, and Dr. Garcia is Full Professor and Director, Honours Bachelor Program in Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Ms. Aminzadeh is also Advanced Practice Nurse and a Clinical Scientist, Community Research, Dr. Dalziel is Chief, Regional Geriatric Program of Eastern Ontario, and Dr. Molnar is Scientist, University of Ottawa Institute on Health of the Elderly, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
The authors disclose that they have no significant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this activity, including research support.
Address correspondence to Faranak Aminzadeh, MScN, RN, GNC (C), Advanced Practice Nurse, Community Geriatric Research, Regional Geriatric Program of Eastern Ontario, The Ottawa Hospital, Civic Campus, 1053 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1Y 4E9; e-mail: faminzadeh@ottawahospital.on.ca.
Received: April 15, 2009
Accepted: October 5, 2009
Posted: March 22, 2010
doi:10.3928/00989134-20100303-02
