ENTRY TO CARE - POSITIVE CHOICE OR FAIT-ACCOMPLI - DEVELOPING A MORE PROACTIVE NURSING RESPONSE TO THE NEEDS OF OLDER-PEOPLE AND THEIR CARERS

A range of issues surrounding admission to either residential or nursi ng home care are considered from the perspectives of older people and their family carers. Drawing on the literature and a number of studies conducted by the authors, the processes and perceptions that shape an d influence admission to care are identified. On the basis of the inte raction of these factors a four-stage typology of admission is suggest ed: the positive choice, the rationalized alternative, the discredited option, and the fait accompli. The characteristics of each admission type are discussed and the implications for professionals, particularl y nurses, working with older people and their carers are addressed.