Promoting and Protecting Against Stigma in Assisted Living and Nursing Homes

Abstract

In no instance were examples or themes identified that suggested the staff intentionally promoted stigma; on the other hand, there was indication that some structures and processes were intentionally in place to protect against stigma. Perhaps the most important theme is the stigma related to multilevel settings, as it has the potential to reduce individuals' likelihood to seek and accept necessary care. Results suggest specific recommendations to modify care and reduce stigma.

Researching Ageism in Health-Care and Long Term Care

“…Most studies on ageism in long-term care involve residents in long-term institutions (Ayalon 2015;Bodner et al 2011;Dobbs et al 2008;Doyle 2014;Gamliel 2000;Lagace et al 2011Lagace et al , 2012Macdonald and Butler 2007;Roth et al 2012Roth et al , 2015Taverna et al 2014;Zimmerman et al 2014). Ayalon (2015) reported a prominent general view of old age as a sign of decline and decay.…”

“…This negative view of old age was stated as prominent among adult children, as well as their older parents. Zimmerman et al (2014) also report evidence of ageism, namely physical environment (environmental press [ex. : not repairing a bathroom nearby because of budget restrictions]; not using social space for engagement [ex.…”

“…Several studies on ageism in long-term care involved health care professionals, care workers and administrators of long-term institutions (Band-Winterstein 2015;Billings 2006;Dobbs et al 2008;Dunworth and Kirwan 2012;Lagace et al 2011;Reyna et al 2007;Roth et al 2012Roth et al , 2015Taverna et al 2014;Wells et al 2004;Zimmerman et al 2014). For example, Band-Winterstein (2015) reported ageism as neglect in the everyday routine of care with the following emerging themes (being transparent; being invisible; being forgotten; perceiving older patients as no longer human; being treated as an object, in an automated fashion; lack of accurate medical diagnosis; using ageist language; using less expensive materials on older patients, because money is not wisely spent on older persons; older persons lose their sexuality, which justifies mixed communal and social participation of older people); and avoidance (attitudes and behaviour regarding social contact with older people).…”

“…There are also a few studies in this body of research that involved family members as subjects (Ayalon 2015;Condelius and Andersson 2015;Dobbs et al 2008;Roth et al 2012Roth et al , 2015Zimmerman et al 2014). In particular, Condelius and Andersson (2015) reported ageism among the next of kin, "in that they perceive some conditions and complaints as a natural part of ageing with further examinations or treatments being regarded as "pointless" or even "wasted" (p. 11).…”

What Will Long-Term Care Be Like in 2040?

“…These communities and similar care models offer combinations of independent living, assisted living, and/or nursing home care on a single campus. The trend toward combined housing models is likely to continue, but the stigma that accompanies a transition between levels of care should be recognized [13]. Because increasing care needs are highly visible in such a social setting, much needs to be done to counter this stigma.…”