Date of Award

8-2010

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Executive Leadership

First Supervisor

Mary Collins

Second Supervisor

Lynn Nichols

Abstract

This quantitative study collected information to determine how elders living at the nursing home studied perceived their quality of life, determined if there are differences in quality of life among neighborhoods, and if there are differences experienced by those living in private rooms compared to shared rooms. A descriptive, correlational, and cross-sectional design was applied. An instrument that focused on enhanced quality of life, the Quality of Life Scales for Nursing Home Residents, was used to guide 155 structured interviews. Data collected provided information on eleven domains of quality of life including safety, physical comfort, food enjoyment, meaningful activities, relationships, functional competence, dignity, privacy, individuality, autonomy, and spiritual well-being. The mean score for each domain ranged from 3.06 to 3.77 on a scale of one (low) to four (high). Younger participants report experiencing more engaging and meaningful social interactions with others than older participants. Respondents who have lived at the nursing home longer reported higher levels of dignity, but lower levels of spiritual wellbeing. Four of the neighborhoods had statistically significant findings on one of the quality of life scales. Elders who live in private rooms rate privacy higher than those living in shared rooms. This study demonstrates that quality of life can be measured for individuals with varying levels of cognitive impairment by using this survey instrument which incorporates a Likert-type scale or binary response options. Nursing measure the impact of culture change activities. This baseline information is critical for nursing homes anticipating a significant organizational change.

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