Quality of life in nursing homes: perception of physically frail elderly residents

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to disclose the characteristics of quality of life as perceived by physically frail but lucid elderly people living in nursing homes to increase the understanding of the phenomenon of quality of life in this setting. Eight elderly residents living in two nursing homes in Iceland were interviewed on two occasions. The interviews were audio-taped and transcribed to generate text for hermeneutic phenomenological analysis. Observation was also undertaken at both nursing homes to enhance the understanding of the residents' narration. The participants' concern in relation to quality of life emerges in the following main themes: (i) Securing the insecure body; (ii) Seeking solace; (iii) Preparing for departure; and (iv) Affirmation of self. The findings indicate that the phenomenon quality of life is manifold and complex, having many dimensions. The most important aspects of quality of life were for the residents to feel secure in the nursing home, have a place of their own where they could be alone with their thoughts, set their affairs in order and be prepared for death. Furthermore, it mattered to be recognized as an individual with his or her roots in their own respective family and doing meaningful things. These aspects of life in a nursing home contribute to living in a meaningful world in which humanity is preserved. It is important in caring for this particular group of residents in the nursing home to know what matters most in relation to their quality of life.

Quality of life in nursing home settings: Perspectives from elderly residents with frailty

“…Studies on the perceived QoL of frail elderly residents with impairments are few [19,20] . Tester's research team found that frail residents in care homes with severe physical and/or mental conditions or disabilities at the end of their lives considered four key inter-related areas for their QoL: sense of self (feeling of being at home, personal appearance and possessions, and preferences for personal space), the care environment (promoting resident autonomy, choices, right to control their lives, and assertiveness), relationships (personal relationships, communication and interaction with residents, relationship with family) and activities (engaging in meaningful activities) [19] .…”

Well-being in the Workplace: the Case of Working Pensioners

“…-the ability to participate in the practices of mutual aid and self-care (Aller, & Coeling, 1995;Ball, & Whittington, 2000;Hikoyeda, & Wallace, 2001;Hjaltadottir, & Gustafsdottir, 2007;Orlova, 2015), then for working pensioners, as shown by our research, such parameters include:…”

The Care Relationship Required by Seniors in Nursing Homes: A Qualitative Meta-study

“…En el estudio de Pilkington (17) se hace referencia a la "minuciosidad de la atención". Se confía en que estos profesionales de enfermería atentos y competentes "estén a su lado cuando ellos (las personas mayores), estén enfermos o muriendo" (14).…”

“…Los residentes necesitan atribuir a sus personas cuidadoras características similares a las que tendría un amigo: se trata de alguien que contribuye a contrarrestar sus carencias en la vida de la institución, alguien que presta ayuda, que les ofrece atención y en quien se pueda confiar (26). La relación entre los residentes y los cuidadores, establecida a través de un trato más cercano, contribuye a que el mayor se sienta reconocido como una persona (14).…”

“…l Experiencias satisfactorias, bienestar y calidad de vida (13)(14)(15)(16). l Experiencias de sufrimiento, de dolor y de pérdida (17)(18)(19).…”