Family visitation on special care units

With placement of a family member with Alzheimer's disease on a SCU, the family does not relinquish the caregiving role, rather they take on different roles in relation to the residents. Family visitation of the residents on the SCU is an integral part of family involvement in care of individuals with Alzheimer's disease, as well as SCU functioning. Within the context of changing relationships with the residents, family members visited the residents as a sense of duty to "be faithful," to monitor care by "being their eyes and ears," and to foster a sense of family through ongoing relationships and family rituals. Nurses have critical roles in promoting physical, emotional, and interactive environments which foster family visitation on SCUs.