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Small, homelike care environments for older people with dementia: a literature review

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 December 2008

Hilde Verbeek ,
Erik van Rossum ,
Sandra M. G. Zwakhalen ,
Gertrudis I. J. M. Kempen  and
Jan P. H. Hamers
Hilde Verbeek*
Affiliation:
School for Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
Erik van Rossum
Affiliation:
School for Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
Sandra M. G. Zwakhalen
Affiliation:
School for Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
Gertrudis I. J. M. Kempen
Affiliation:
School for Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
Jan P. H. Hamers
Affiliation:
School for Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: Hilde Verbeek, School for Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands. Phone: +31 433 881513; Fax: +31 433 884162. Email: h.verbeek@zw.unimaas.nl.
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Abstract

Background: There is large cross-national variation in the characteristics of small, domestic-style care settings which emphasize normalized living. However, a systematic overview of existing types is lacking. This study provides an international comparison of the care concepts which have adopted a homelike philosophy in a small-scale context. Insight into their characteristics is vital for theory, planning and implementation of such dementia care settings.

Method: A literature search was performed using various electronic databases, including PubMed, Medline, CINAHL and PsycINFO. In addition, “gray” literature was identified on the internet. Concepts were analyzed according to five main characteristics: physical setting, number of residents, residents' characteristics, domestic characteristics and care concept.

Results: 75 papers were included covering 11 different concept types in various countries. Similarities among concepts reflected a focus on meaningful activities centered around the daily household. Staff have integrated tasks and are part of the household, and archetypical home-style features, such as kitchens, are incorporated in the buildings. Differences among concepts were found mainly in the physical settings, numbers of residents and residents' characteristics. Some concepts have become regular dementia care settings, while others are smaller initiatives.

Conclusion: The care concepts are implemented in various ways with a changing staff role. However, many aspects of these small, homelike facilities remain unclear. Future research is needed, focusing on residents' characteristics, family, staff and costs.

Keywords

small-scale housinggroup livingnursing home facilitiesdeinstitutionalizationlong-term care
Type
Review Article
Information
International Psychogeriatrics , Volume 21 , Issue 2 , April 2009 , pp. 252 - 264
Copyright
Copyright © International Psychogeriatric Association 2008

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