Serious Mental Illness in Florida Nursing Homes: Need for Training

Abstract

This study examined how the mental health needs of nursing home (NH) residents with serious mental illness (SMI) are addressed. Data were collected from three sources: interviews with 84 SMI stakeholders; surveys of 206 NH staff members; and focus groups at two psychiatry specialty NHs. Four common themes emerged: placement of older adults with SMI was a significant problem for discharge planners and NH admission coordinators; NH staff reported being uneasy with SMI residents and were concerned over aggressive behavior; staff in NHs with psychiatry specialty units appeared more comfortable serving SMI residents; and SMI training was a consistent recommendation of all SMI stakeholders and NH staff. Implications for training are discussed.