Specialized care unit: Family and staff perceptions of significant elements

Specialized care units (SCUs) for nursing home residents with dementia are increasingly prevalent. Although reported to promote positive resident outc omes, the specific characteristics of SCUs most likely to yield these outco mes have not yet been identified, This article presents the findings of a q ualitative study that investigated the perceptions of family members and st aff about SCU characteristics that contribute to positive outcomes for resi dents with dementia. All family and staff members interviewed agreed that t he SCU fostered feelings of personal space, personhood, and an unforced rou tine, These findings are discussed and provide specific direction for care of nursing home residents with dementia.