Date of Award

Summer 8-1-2011

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Gerontology Institute

First Advisor

Mary M. Ball

Second Advisor

Molly M. Perkins

Third Advisor

Candace L. Kemp

Abstract

Most persons with a dementia are cared for in the home by family members who experience a broad and considerable amount of stress and whose caregiving careers may include planning for or initiating moves to memory care units (MCUs). This study examines the decision-making processes of primary informal caregivers regarding their care recipients' moves to MCUs. Grounded theory methods were used to collect and analyze data in two long-term care (LTC) facilities varying in characteristics including capacity, state licensure, fees, and resident profiles. Specific aims are two-fold: 1) advance an understanding of how primary informal caregivers of persons with a dementia made decisions for formal memory care, and 2) identify the important factors related to the decision-making process.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.57709/2102273

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