Characteristics of nursing homes adopting environmental transformations

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Beth E. Barba, Professor (Creator)
Nancy F. Courts, Visiting Associate Professor (Contributor)
Anita S. Tesh, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs (Contributor)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: During the past few years, many nursing homes in North Carolina have formulated plans to transform or enhance their environments to make the facilities more desirable places to live and work. The purpose of this study was to compare characteristics of facilities adopting one specific model for environmental transformation. The Eden Alternative; with those adopting other environmental transformations or making no changes. Surveys were mailed to administrators of all (n = 378) certified nursing facilities in NC. A total of 167 surveys were returned, for a return rate of 44%. Of these, almost three fourths were planning or implementing some sort of environmental transformation. Thirty-seven facilities (22%) indicated they were currently adopting the Eden Alternative, and 47 (28%) were planning to adopt it. Twenty-six facilities (16%) reported they were currently adopting an environmental transformation other than the Eden Alternative, and another 9 (5%) were planning to adopt another environmental transformation. The facilities adopting or planning environmental transformation other than the Eden Alternative reported adopting (or planning to adopt) various components of the Eden Alternative. Forty-six facilities (28%) indicated they had no plans for environmental transformation. Facilities making environmental transformations were found to be similar to those making no changes on most variables examined, supporting the conclusion that environmental transformation is feasible for facilities with a wide range of characteristics.

Additional Information

Publication
Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 28(3), 28-34
Language: English
Date: 2002
Keywords
Nursing homes, Environmental transformation, Eden Alternative

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