Date of Award
1995
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Gerontology
Department
Gerontology
First Advisor
Marilyn Patterson
Second Advisor
Emily LaBarge
Third Advisor
Betty Lemasters
Abstract
i99SThere were two purposes of this study. The first was to conduct a literature review of the research findings on special care units. These units are segregated areas of a nursing home specializing in the care of Alzheimer's and dementia related patients. The purpose of the research was to determine what constitutes a special care unit, what is "special'' about the units and the units effectiveness in the treatment of dementia patients.
The second purpose of the study was to compare existing special care units in the St. Louis Metropolitan area with the research findings. Eight nursing facilities with a special care unit were surveyed and toured by this researcher. The facility structure and unit characteristics varied greatly. Facilities lacked consistent regulations for the design and programming of the units. Future studies and the implementation of guidelines should focus on clarifying the definition and expectations of special care units. Limitations of this study were presented and future recommendations were made to address this fast growing specialty.
Recommended Citation
Schaus, Marilynn Anne, "Special Care Units: Specialization in Long-Term Care" (1995). Theses. 1300.
https://digitalcommons.lindenwood.edu/theses/1300
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