Institutionalization can describe the process of placing individuals in institutions like nursing homes. The term can also be defined as a process in which individuals who live together gradually develop certain unhealthy patterns of behavior and thought, such as the assumption of illness or depression apathy. This change is frequently associated with being placed in an institution.
Placement in Institutions
Nursing Homes
According to Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary, a nursing home is an extended care facility for persons who need medical attention of the type and complexity not requiring hospitalization. Nursing homes provide 24‐hour nursing supervision, rehabilitation services, activity and social services, a restraint appropriate environment, careful attention to nutrition needs, and measures to prevent complications of decreased mobility. In addition, some nursing homes have specialty units for patients with conditions such as dementia or head injuries. Some nursing homes...
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Suggested Readings
Fiveash B (1998) The experience of nursing home life. Int J Nurs Prac 4:166–174
March C (1997) The complete care manual for long‐term care. Jossey‐Bass, New York
Matthews J (2004) Long‐term care: how to plan and pay for it, 5th ed. NOLO, Berkeley, CA
Morriss R, Rovner B, German P (1994) Changes in behavior before and after nursing home admission. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 9:965–973
Pratt J (2004) Long‐term care: managing across the continuum, 2nd ed. Jones & Bartlett, Sudbury, MA
Suggested Resources
AARP, Policy and Research. http://www.aarp.org/research
Citizens for Long Term Care. http://citizensforltc.org
National Citizens' Coalition for Nursing Home Reform. http://www.nccnhr.org
National Counsel on Aging, Inc. http://noca.org
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Johnson, B.L. (2008). Institutionalization. In: Loue, S.J., Sajatovic, M. (eds) Encyclopedia of Aging and Public Health. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-33754-8_247
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