Purpose: This study was done to compare
wandering behavior of persons with dementia
(PWDs) living in skilled (SNF) and general
(GNF) nursing facilities. Methods: Ambulatory
residents (N=160) with dementia were recruited
from 6 SNF and 8 GNF and evaluated using the
Korean Mini-Mental State Exam (K-MMSE),
Korean Physical and Instrumental Activities of
Daily Living (K-PIADL)and the Revised Algase
Wandering Scale Nursing Home version (KRAWSNH).
Demographic and environmental data were
obtained from a chart review. Chi-square tests,
independent sample t-tests, and Mann-Whitney
U tests were used to compare characteristics of
residents, environment, and wandering behavior
between SNF and GNF residents. Results:
Except for use of antipsychotic drugs, there were
no differences in demographic, cognitive, or
physical characteristics between residents of SNF
and GNF. For environmental characteristics,
there were significant differences between
residents of SNF and GNF for type and color of
resident\'s room and living room, total number of
residents and nurses in the facility, and total
number of residents in a room. Overall and for
six subscales of KRAWS-NH, higher scores were
found for residents of GNF. Conclusions:
Findings indicate a need to plan and establish
nursing facilities that are eco-friendly to PWDs,
especially those who exhibit wandering behavior.