Relocation of the institutionalized aged.

The effects of relocation and institutionalization upon frail older people have been studied extensively for the past several decades and have been a topic of some controversy. Because of varying methodologies, differing populations, overlooked variables, and mistakes in interpretation, this area of epidemiological research has resulted in debate among scholars in the field. It may be helpful to review some of the research that has been done, examine a theory of why mortality seems to increase when older people are involuntarily relocated, speculate upon how this effect might be minimized, and introduce some data that seemingly would confirm that careful planning for relocation might, in fact, reduce subsequent morbidity and mortality.