To manage the care of the increasing number of residents with dementia, many long-term care facilities have developed special care units (SCUs) to accommodate the unique needs of this group. Although private rooms have been recommended for SCUs, little is known about the effects of private versus multiple occupancy bedrooms. The opening of two new SCUs provided the opportunity to study the effect of multiple occupancy versus private rooms on the behavior of elderly residents with dementia. This article reports on quantitative and qualitative findings related to the change in bedroom type. Following the move to the new SCUs with private bedrooms, residents with advanced Alzheimer's disease and other dementias spent more time in their rooms during the day and required fewer interventions (including medications) to promote sleep at night. The article also includes staff and family caregiver perceptions of other advantages and disadvantages of the private rooms.
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