Learning Objective #1: learn about the specific transition process of older people when relocating from a private to a nursing home.

Learning Objective #2: learn about the benefits of using a theory as guideline for an integrative literature review.

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In case elderly people need to give up the familiarity of their own home and independent lifestyle due to institutionalization, they might face a whole string of chances and/or risks. Depending on the context, especially unhealthy conditions during the relocation process put a lot of extra strain on the elderly.
            However, little is known about how nurses could support elderly people before, during or after their relocation. Thus, the foundation for evidence-based interventions is sparse. Therefore, the aim of this integrative review, which was conducted in 2006, was to explore the relevant German and English literature to enhance understanding, identify potential nursing interventions and to determine fields for further research. Meleis’ Transition-Theory (Meleis et al. 2000) was used as a theoretical guideline for the review and analysis process.

The review yielded that elderly are connecting manifold positive and/or negative meanings, emotions and expectations with a nursing home entry. Furthermore, studies have shown that healthy relocation-processes depend on both, a healthy and supporting environment (e.g. family or nursing home environment) as well as the behavior and coping strategies of the elderly going through transition. In sum, a great variety of complex factors are influencing older people before, during and after their relocation in a positive, neutral or negative way.

            This knowledge could increase the awareness and understanding of nurses caring for the elderly who may be facing relocation, allowing practitioners to carry out more comprehensive assessments and to offer more appropriate support to the elderly and their families and thus to facilitate the transition. In addition, the utilization of a theory as guideline for the literature review helped to highlight existing gaps in nursing knowledge. Further research is needed to develop sound and evidence-based interventions for elderly people going through the transition from a private to a nursing home.