Influence of freedom of movement on the health of people with dementia: A systematic review

Suzan P. Van Liempd*, Marjolein E.A. Verbiest, Annerieke Stoop, Katrien G. Luijkx, Patricia C Heyn (Editor)

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

7 Citations (Scopus)
357 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Background and Objectives
To protect residents with dementia from harm, nursing homes (NHs) often have closed-door policies. However, current research suggests a positive influence of freedom of movement, that is, the right to (decide to) independently move from one place to another, on the health of NH residents with dementia. This systematic review aims to collate, summarize, and synthesize the scientific evidence published to date on the influence of freedom of movement on health among NH residents with dementia.

Research Design and Methods
Multiple databases were searched up until March 2021. Peer-reviewed qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods studies were included. Health was operationalized using the Positive Health framework, encompassing 6 dimensions: bodily functions, mental functions and perception, existential dimension, quality of life, social and societal participation, and daily functioning. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.

Results
Sixteen studies were included of good to excellent quality. Compared to closed NHs, freedom of movement in semiopen and open NHs may have a positive influence on bodily functions, mental functions and perception, quality of life, and social and societal participation. The influence on daily functioning and on the existential dimension remains unclear.

Discussion and Implications
Freedom of movement of NH residents with dementia is often studied as part of a larger context in which other factors may contribute to health benefits. More research is therefore needed to unravel the underlying mechanisms of the positive influence of freedom of movement on health.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1351-1364
JournalGerontologist
Volume63
Issue number8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023

Keywords

  • ATTITUDES
  • AUTONOMY
  • CARE
  • Liberty
  • Locked
  • Nursing home
  • Positive Health
  • RESIDENTS
  • RISK
  • Nursing Homes
  • Humans
  • Freedom of Movement
  • Quality of Life
  • Dementia

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