Seeking What's Best During the Transition to Adult Day Health Services

Family caregivers provide more than 80% of the long-term care for elders in the United States and experience a variety of transitions that are intertwined with those of their elders. Previous research on health care transitions documents problems elders and family caregivers encountered following hospitalization, following nursing home admission, and in adjusting to home health care. Little is known about the transition to adult day health services (ADHS). The purpose of this study was (a) to examine family caregivers' perspectives on the transition to ADHS and (b) to develop a situation-specific theory to guide interventions for elders and their family caregivers during the transition. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 16 family caregivers 1 month and 3 months following the elder's enrollment in ADHS. The constant comparative method was used in analyzing the data. The findings indicate that family caregivers consistently sought what was best for elders throughout the transition.