[Analysis and implementation of research findings on the decision making in institutionalization of the elderly: a family-centered perspective].

As the size of the population of the elderly increases, so does the incidence of chronic illness and disability. In addition, the rising prevalence of the nuclear family and rising unemployment among women, greatly reduce the resources available to families for caring. The institution placement rate among the elderly is increasing. The decision making process in relation to institutional placement, however, causes the utmost stress and suffering for the elderly and their families. The purpose of this paper is to review research articles concerning decision making in institutionalization, from the perspectives of type of decision, facilitating factors, the nature of the experience and the stress involved therein, the choice of institution, and the roles performed in the process by both the elderly person in question and by professionals, and then to propose recommendations for nursing research, nursing practice and health care policy. The researchers hope, by providing a family-centered perspective to nursing, to enable nurses to extend their concern and support to caregivers and the elderly facing decisions about institution placement.