Method:  Residents were surveyed using the WHOQOL-100, which calculates a general QoL score, as well as 6 domain scores (Physical Health, Psychological Health, Level of Independence, Social Relationships, Environment, Spirituality).  A random sample of 76 facilities, stratified by size and location, was chosen from the national database of a major Australian aged care provider.  Each facility was sent five surveys for random distribution to residents; 189 surveys from 39 facilities were returned, constituting a 51% response rate. 

Results:  When compared with a general community sample, the aged care facility residents recorded significantly better QoL scores in the domains of psychological health and environment, and significantly poorer QoL scores in level of independence.  Comparisons were made between sample subgroups, which revealed a number of differences.  The spiritual domain was most able to discriminate, with higher scores most likely from female residents, living in private rooms, within small facilities.  Overall QoL also discriminated between a number of resident groups, with higher scores most likely from female, low care residents in private rooms. 

Conclusions:  High care residents and male residents appeared to require attention, thus it might benefit facilities to review the needs of those two groups.  Large facilities, in particular, might need to ensure residents are receiving sufficient individual attention and being engaged in meaningful activity.  Where possible, privacy should be maximised, with particular attention paid to privacy issues when residents must share facilities.  Further research with a larger, more comprehensive sample would benefit the emerging knowledge base on QoL in residential care.

See more of Quality of Life: International Perspectives on Aging
See more of The 17th International Nursing Research Congress Focusing on Evidence-Based Practice (19-22 July 2006)