Serious mental illness in Florida nursing homes: need for training

Gerontol Geriatr Educ. 2008;29(1):66-83. doi: 10.1080/02701960802074321.

Abstract

This study examined how the mental health needs of nursing home (NH) residents with serious mental illness (SMI) are addressed. Data were collected from three sources: interviews with 84 SMI stakeholders; surveys of 206 NH staff members; and focus groups at two psychiatry specialty NHs. Four common themes emerged: placement of older adults with SMI was a significant problem for discharge planners and NH admission coordinators; NH staff reported being uneasy with SMI residents and were concerned over aggressive behavior; staff in NHs with psychiatry specialty units appeared more comfortable serving SMI residents; and SMI training was a consistent recommendation of all SMI stakeholders and NH staff. Implications for training are discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Continuity of Patient Care / organization & administration
  • Florida
  • Homes for the Aged / organization & administration*
  • Homes for the Aged / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Inservice Training / organization & administration*
  • Mental Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Mental Disorders / therapy*
  • Nursing Homes / organization & administration*
  • Nursing Homes / statistics & numerical data
  • Prevalence
  • Quality of Health Care / organization & administration