Learning Objective #1: Describe the family caregiving processes in institutions for families of elderly persons with dementia in Taiwan

Learning Objective #2: Identify the needs of the family during placement and develop effective nursing intervention

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The purpose of this study was to investigate the family caregiving processes on institutionalized elders with dementia in Taiwan. Grounded theory method was used in this study. Interview and observation data from eleven family caregivers of an institutionalized demented relatives living in one of the well announce institutions in northern Taiwan were subjected to constant comparative analysis. Finding revealed that “social penetration” was the process used by the family caregivers and institution to achieve a harmonious care pattern of informal and formal care system during placement. Social penetration is a dynamic conceptual framework including three components: self-disclosure, care evaluation and penetration strategies. The process includes four phases and three different types of outcome. Two care systems which developed better penetrated relationship provided better quality care to elders with dementia. Family caregivers who developed good penetrated relationship with institution disclosed breadth and depth information, had positive care evaluation, and adopted multiple effective penetration strategies. The results of this study can sensitize healthcare providers to the needs of the family during placement and increase nursing knowledge to develop effective nursing intervention. The tentative theory provides a framework for further substantive theory development and related research conducts.