Patterns of family visiting with institutionalized elders: The case of dementia

Abstract

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to examine long-term trajectories of visits to nursing homes by family caregivers to persons suffering from dementia. Methods. The data were obtained from a 5-year longitudinal study of family caregiving. This analysis used a subsample of caregivers who moved their relatives from home to a nursing home (n = 210). The frequency (times per week) and length (hours per week) of visits for up to 5 years after placement were examined in relation to select caregiver and care-recipient characteristics. A semiparametric, group-based method using a latent class mixture model was used to identify distinctive trajectories over time. Results. The majority of caregivers maintained the frequency and length of their visits for extended periods of time. Five distinct patterns for frequency and three patterns for length were identified. Being a spouse, lower education, a close past relationship, a strong sentiment against placement, and living close to the facility predicted membership in groups visiting frequently and for longer times. Caregiver characteristics were more strongly associated with frequency, whereas care-recipient characteristics were related to length. Discussion. To a large extent, family visits to nursing home residents with dementia become established in the period immediately after relocation, which means that efforts to enhance continued family involvement should commence at the time of admission.