Abstract
In this study, we examined the changes in independence levels of old residents after the shift living environment from conventional care and shared rooms toward unit care and private rooms. The study involved 38 (male: 7; female: 31; mean age: 86.2) residents of a special nursing home, which was changed from a conventional to unit-type facility as a shift toward unit care. Their care levels based on the Long-term Care Insurance System were 4 or higher in 70% of all cases. Their levels of ADL independence were measured using the FIM before (pre-) and after (post-shift period) the shift, and the following mean scores were obtained from each FIM sub-scale during the pre- and post-shift periods: <bladder management>: 2.47 and 2.32; <transfers - toilet>: 3.16 and 2.81; and <memory>: 3.3 and 3.05, respectively, revealing a significant decrease in the independence level after the shift. This indicates the necessity of providing care for individuals using such facilities, particularly elderly residents, in consideration of their adaptability to environmental changes and those in care service systems.
