Exploring the Quality of Life of Younger Residents Living in Long-Term Care Facilities

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the characteristics of "quality of life" of younger residents in long-term care facilities. This multimethod study employed in-depth interviews with younger residents, focus groups with staff members and interviews with management team members at two care facilities in British Columbia, Canada. Data analysis revealed three themes: (a) a new chapter in life, (b) experiencing quality of life, and (c) nature of social life. These themes highlight the characteristics of younger residents' quality of life and provide insights into the salient contributing factors. Findings of this study are useful in better understanding aspects of younger residents' quality of life and their psychosocial needs and consequently can guide decision making to provide an appropriate care environment for this population segment in long-term care settings.

A scoping review to explore the experiences and outcomes of younger people with disabilities in residential aged care facilities

“…Similar experiences of young people living in residential aged care were also identified in the reviewed qualitative literature (see Table 5 for a summary of qualitative themes). Specifically, a lack of community participation and social interaction (3,33,34,37), age inappropriate activities (3,34,37) and living in an age inappropriate physical environment (3,34) were identified as common experiences in qualitative studies. Additional experiences identified in the qualitative literature were issues surrounding mental health such as loneliness (3,33,37), damage to psychological wellbeing (1,3,33,37) and experiencing an unsuitable care environment (i.e., level of care, staff expertise, resources and equipment) (32).…”

“…The reviewed literature also commonly described a number of basic human needs that residential aged care facilities failed to provide for young people with disability. Specifically, the unmet needs identified were: privacy (3,34), physical (3,32,34,37), sexual (34,35), social (3,7,(33)(34)(35)37), nutritional (34,36), psychological (3,35,37) and emotional support (1,3,33,35).…”

“…A number of negative outcomes were reported in the qualitative studies included in the review. Specifically, a lack of choice in regard to housing and meals (1,33,34), limited independence or self-determination (3,33,34,37), preventable deaths (32) and financial stress (3,30) were all identified outcomes for young people placed in aged care. See Table 5.…”

“…Recommendations for practice included increasing reassessment and rehabilitation opportunities (1,31,33), increased care and support (32,34,35) and the recognition and consideration of individual needs and choice within aged care facilities (3,30,(34)(35)(36). Recommendations for increased expertise and training for nursing home staff were also common in the reviewed literature (3,7,30,(33)(34)(35). Furthermore, many studies recommended the development of age-appropriate accommodation for people with high and complex needs (1,31,36,37).…”

“…Furthermore, many studies recommended the development of age-appropriate accommodation for people with high and complex needs (1,31,36,37). Some studies made recommendations to adjust aged-care facilities to more adequately meet the needs of younger residents, such as the development of separate wings (34,35) or private rooms (34). Other suggestions included environmental modifications to assist with independent movement, reduce disorientation and maximize choice making (3,7,35,36).…”