We have been working hard since last Fall to conduct a multi-stage ethnographic study for the Florida Department of Elder Affairs.  Factors that Delay or Prevent Nursing Facility Placement is being conducted through the University of South Florida where I hold a courtesy appointment.

We reviewed 191 case files at four different agencies selected to represent rural and urban and various race and ethnic groups.  From these files, we recruited 44 clients or caregivers who were interviewed at their home or in a nursing home.  We are in the final stage which is interviewing the case managers for those clients.

In addition to statistical data based on case file information such as the number of activities of daily living or environmental needs, we are amassing a large qualitative database that includes case file notes and the results of the interviews.  This in-depth information is being coded and analyzed for themes that would explain how some clients do or do not prevent a nursing facility stay.

It has been very exciting to be in the field interviewing older people.  In the last several years, my studies have been mailed or telephone interviews conducted by survey staff.  Visiting people in their home and getting to know them over a 1-2 hour interview keeps me grounded in why I do this work.