Coping with an Intra-Institutional Relocation: Changes in Resident and Staff Behavior Patterns

An intra-institutional relocation of a long-term care facility was studied by documenting changes in the environment and in residents' and staff members' use of space and patterns of behavior. Behavioral changes were conceptualized as attempts to adapt to the larger design and altered layout of the new facility, in particular the separation of care-giving and social spaces. Information obtained from monitoring environmental and behavioral changes can be shared with administrators and staff and used to maximize the positive impact of relocation.