The Impact of Relocations Within Nursing Home Care on Long-Term Care Residents According to Stakeholders: A Qualitative Study

INTRODUCTION: Nursing home residents can be faced with relocations within nursing home care for various reasons, whether individual or per group. We aimed to collect a broad stakeholder overview of observed and experienced impacts on residents and aspects that influence the impact.

METHODS: We conducted a qualitative study using semistructured interviews followed by one focus group. We recruited participants from various stakeholder perspectives based on differences in roles while having an interest or involvement in relocations, and experience with relocations. The interviews and focus group were audiorecorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using responsive and thematic analysis.

RESULTS: In 17 interviews including one duo interview, participants described the impact on residents varying from very positive to very negative. In addition, stakeholders addressed differences in impact related to the relocation phase (before, during, after). Aspects influencing the impact of relocations were (1) mental resilience of residents, (2) organisation of relocations, (3) social connections of residents, and (4) the new (care) environment. The focus group with six participants added further insights in the subtheme 'organisation of relocations', emphasising the importance of clear and timely communication with residents and relatives and recognizability of (personal) items and professional caregivers from the former nursing home.

CONCLUSION: Stakeholders described the impact of relocations within nursing homes to vary between and within nursing home residents. Aspects they identified to influence this impact provide incentives to reduce the negative impact on residents and foster positive impact. Further research needs to zoom-in on the perceived impact of relocations within nursing homes of residents themselves.