The normalization principle and the institutionalized elderly.

As a large percentage of the elderly population will spend some time in long-term facilities such as nursing homes, it is important to ensure the best possible conditions for residents and staff of these facilities. The authors describe the application of the eight components of the "normalization principle" to the institutionalized elderly as a valuable, systematic approach to maintaining the quality of life in long-term facilities. They suggest methods of promoting normal daily, weekly, and yearly rhythms, normal life-cycle experiences, and normal social, sexual, economic and environmental conditions within the framework of the long-term facility.