What makes a nursing home a home? Insights from family members and friends

2017 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 152-163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lori Weeks ◽  
Stephanie Chamberlain ◽  
Janice Keefe
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Home ◽  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Survey Data ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Nursing Home Residents ◽  
Models Of Care ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Physical Spaces

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of homelikeness from the perspective of family members and friends of nursing home residents across different models of nursing homes. Design/methodology/approach This mixed-methods study examined survey data collected from 397 family members and friends of residents living in 23 nursing homes representing three models of care (traditional, new augmented, and full scope). Participants completed a homelikeness scale and a measure of the importance of nursing home spaces to family members and friends. This study also involved conducting three focus groups with 20 family members and friends to provide further insights into the findings. Findings Analysis of survey data indicated quite high levels of homelikeness overall. Significant differences did emerge between traditional model nursing homes compared to new full-scope and new augmented models for all items in the homelikeness scale and for many items about nursing home spaces. Qualitative results provided insights into how homelikeness can be fostered through public and private spaces and through care and relationships. Research limitations/implications As this study was conducted in one Canadian province, the results may not be applicable to other geographic areas. In addition, there are limitations in survey response rate. Practical implications Homelikeness can be supported across models of care by fostering relationships between residents and staff, ensuring that that family and friends feel welcome, and creating public and private physical spaces that are conducive to new and ongoing relationships. Originality/value The results provide evidence to nursing home decision makers about how to foster a homelike environment in various models of nursing homes.

scholarly journals Complementary therapy for advanced dementia palliation in nursing homes

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 419-432
Author(s):  
Bryan Mitchell ◽  
Graham A. Jackson ◽  
Barbara Sharp ◽  
Debbie Tolson
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Home ◽  
Action Research ◽  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Care Home ◽  
Nursing Home Residents ◽  
Objective Measure ◽  
Complementary Therapy ◽  
Advanced Dementia ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Care Home Staff

PurposeThis paper reports on an action research study that aimed to collaboratively develop a complementary therapy care intervention to augment palliative care choices available to nursing home residents with advanced dementia.Design/methodology/approachAn action research design was adopted that consisted of a series of action cycles involving collaborative exploration, problem-solving planning, development and evidence gathering. A combination of mixed methods was used when gaining data at the different stages, including face to face delivered questionnaires, observational notes, focus groups, and the objective measure of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory adapted for Nursing Homes (NPI-NH).FindingsCare home staff and relatives considered the use of Complementary Therapy to be a helpful intervention promoting that it can reduce a sense of loneliness and provide companionship for residents experiencing distress. Analysis of NPI-NH scores showed a reduction in presenting neuropsychiatric behaviours associated with stress and distress.Research limitations/implicationsDiffering levels of participant group engagement may affect this study’s findings as it was noted that care home staff provided a fuller contribution to the project in comparison to relatives.Practical implicationsImplementation guidance is needed when implementing complementary therapy within the nursing home practice to promote consistency and successful integration of an intervention that is not provided as routine care.Originality/valueThe findings of this study are encouraging and demonstrate the acceptability of complementary therapies to residents with advanced dementia, where positive impacts on otherwise difficult to address dementia symptoms related to stress and distress are highlighted.

scholarly journals Nursing home quality of life in the Lebanon

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 145-156
Author(s):  
Marina Gharibian Adra ◽  
John Hopton ◽  
John Keady
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Nursing Home ◽  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Comparative Method ◽  
Nursing Home Residents ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Care Practice ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore perceptions, perspectives and meaning of quality of life for a sample of older residents, care staff and family caregivers in two nursing homes in Lebanon. Design/methodology/approach A classic grounded theory study was conducted between 2010 and 2011 in two nursing homes in Beirut. The semi-structured interviews were undertaken with a theoretical sample of 20 residents, 8 family caregivers and 11 staff. The constant comparative method was used to analyze the data. Findings Three distinct but interrelated properties of quality of life emerged from this process: “maintaining self,” “maintaining identity” and “maintaining continuity”. The dynamics that exist within and between each of these properties provide an indicator about shared and distinct meanings and the implications for care practice. Research limitations/implications The study was conducted in one city in Lebanon; accordingly, the transferability of findings may be challenging. Practical implications Implications for nursing and nursing policy – improving Lebanese national standards and regulations applicable to nursing home residents may help to enhance residents’ care needs and quality of life. Social implications There was limited guidance aimed at helping older residents to voice and increase their choice and control. Originality/value This paper provides new insights into the process of outlining the properties attached to the phenomenon of quality of life in nursing homes in Lebanon. It will be of interest to those in nursing home care as well as to policy makers.

scholarly journals Nursing home care quality: a cluster analysis

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vigdis Abrahamsen Grøndahl ◽  
Liv Berit Fagerli
Keyword(s):  
Cluster Analysis ◽  
Nursing Home ◽  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Nursing Home Residents ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Care Quality ◽  
Nursing Home Care ◽  
Healthcare Personnel ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quality Perceptions

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore potential differences in how nursing home residents rate care quality and to explore cluster characteristics. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional design was used, with one questionnaire including questions from quality from patients’ perspective and Big Five personality traits, together with questions related to socio-demographic aspects and health condition. Residents (n=103) from four Norwegian nursing homes participated (74.1 per cent response rate). Hierarchical cluster analysis identified clusters with respect to care quality perceptions. χ2 tests and one-way between-groups ANOVA were performed to characterise the clusters (p<0.05). Findings Two clusters were identified; Cluster 1 residents (28.2 per cent) had the best care quality perceptions and Cluster 2 (67.0 per cent) had the worst perceptions. The clusters were statistically significant and characterised by personal-related conditions: gender, psychological well-being, preferences, admission, satisfaction with staying in the nursing home, emotional stability and agreeableness, and by external objective care conditions: healthcare personnel and registered nurses. Research limitations/implications Residents assessed as having no cognitive impairments were included, thus excluding the largest group. By choosing questionnaire design and structured interviews, the number able to participate may increase. Practical implications Findings may provide healthcare personnel and managers with increased knowledge on which to develop strategies to improve specific care quality perceptions. Originality/value Cluster analysis can be an effective tool for differentiating between nursing homes residents’ care quality perceptions.

How Family Members Respond to Residents' Wish to Die

2005 ◽  
Vol 51 (4) ◽  
pp. 301-321 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sidney Z. Moss ◽  
Miriam S. Moss ◽  
Helen K. Black ◽  
Robert L. Rubinstein
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Home ◽  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Family System ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Nursing Home Residents ◽  
Ethnographic Study ◽  
Term Care ◽  
The Family ◽  
Wish To Die

Living and dying are inextricably associated in nursing homes. It is not unusual for old nursing home residents to express a wish to die. This article examines interwoven patterns of family responses to resident's wish to die. As part of a multi-site ethnographic study of bereavement in long-term care, we analyzed themes in audio-transcribed in-depth qualitative interviews with 20 family members in two religiously and culturally diverse nursing homes. Rooted in the contexts of the nursing home, the family system, and the socio-cultural milieu, three patterns of family responses emerged: avoidance, disconfirmation, and acceptance of the wish to die. The family members' responses reflect their efforts to make meaning of the resident's wish both for the resident and for themselves. Rather than viewing the wish to die as a symptom of mental health problems, they perceive it as reflecting the existential situation of the resident.

scholarly journals From wave to wave: a Dutch national study on the long-term impact of COVID-19 on well-being and family visitation in nursing homes

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramona Backhaus ◽  
Hilde Verbeek ◽  
Bram de Boer ◽  
Judith H. J. Urlings ◽  
Debby L. Gerritsen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Home ◽  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Nursing Home Residents ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Study Data ◽  
National Study ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Long Term Impact

Abstract Background To protect nursing home residents, many governments around the world implemented blanket visitor bans in March and April 2020. As a consequence, family caregivers, friends, and volunteers were not allowed to enter nursing homes, while residents were not allowed to go out. Up until now, little is known on the long-term consequences and effects of visiting bans and re-opening of nursing homes. The aim of the study was to assess the long-term effects of the pandemic on residents, family members, and staff, and their preparedness for the next coronavirus wave. Methods A mixed-methods approach was used, consisting of a questionnaire and analyses of documentation (local visiting protocols). Of the 76 nursing home locations that participated in a Dutch national pilot on welcoming visitors back into nursing homes, 64 participated in this follow-up study. Data were collected in September/October 2020. For each nursing home, one contact person completed the questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were calculated for quantitative questionnaire data. Data on open-ended questions, as well as data from the documentation, were analyzed thematically. Results The study demonstrated that the consequences of strict visiting bans do not disappear at the moment the visiting ban is lifted. Although in October 2020, daily life in nursing homes was more “back to normal,” more than one-third of the respondents indicated that they still applied restrictions. Compared to the situation before the pandemic, fewer volunteers were working in the nursing homes, grandchildren visited their relative less often, and visits differed. Conclusions Five months after the visiting ban in Dutch nursing homes had been lifted, it still had an impact on residents, family members, and staff. It is questionable whether nursing homes feel prepared for welcoming visitors in the case of new COVID-19 infections. Nursing homes indicated that they felt prepared for the next wave, while at the same time, they were particularly concerned about staff well-being and vitality. It seems wise to invest in staff well-being. In addition, it seems desirable to think about how to support nursing homes in seeking a balance between infection prevention and well-being of residents, family members, and staff.

scholarly journals “Teleswallowing”: a case study of remote swallowing assessment

2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 155-168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elaine Bidmead ◽  
Tilly Reid ◽  
Alison Marshall ◽  
Veronica Southern
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Home ◽  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Nursing Home Residents ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Teaching Hospitals ◽  
Speech And Language ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Adoption Study

Purpose – Telemedicine has enabled speech and language therapists (SLTs) to remotely assess swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) experienced by nursing home residents. The new technique, “teleswallowing”, was designed by the Speech and Language Therapy Service at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. It allows prompt assessment, avoiding potential risks of aspiration pneumonia, malnutrition, poor rehabilitation, increased hospital stays and reduced quality of life (Hinchey et al., 2005; Langmore et al., 1998). The purpose of this paper is to report on a second pilot of teleswallowing and the concomitant adoption study. Design/methodology/approach – The adoption study employed qualitative methods, including consultations with senior managers, semi-structured interviews with nursing home matrons/managers and nurses, two focus groups and semi-structured interviews with SLTs. The project clinical lead kept an activity log, which was used to estimate resource savings. Findings – Over a three-month period, six SLTs and 17 patients in five nursing homes participated in teleswallowing assessments. Teleswallowing benefited both patients and participating nursing homes. Better use of therapist time and cost savings were demonstrated and evidence showed that the service could be successfully scaled up. Despite this, a number of barriers to service transformation were identified. Originality/value – This is the first implementation of teleswallowing in the UK, but it has been used in Australia (Ward et al., 2012). The approach to engaging stakeholders to understand and address barriers to adoption is novel. The value lies in the lessons learned for future innovations.

scholarly journals Long-Term Care Facilities and Nursing Homes during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review of the Perspectives of Professionals, Families and Residents

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (19) ◽  
pp. 10099
Author(s):  
Domingo Palacios-Ceña ◽  
Rosario Fernández-Peña ◽  
Angela Ortega-López ◽  
Ana Fernández-Feito ◽  
Oscar Bautista-Villaécija ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Home ◽  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Nursing Home Residents ◽  
Great Difficulty ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Scoping Reviews ◽  
Response Capacity ◽  
The Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic has had significant repercussions for nursing home residents, their families, and professionals. The objective was to describe the perspectives of residents, their families, and nursing home employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. A scoping review was carried out using the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews. The inclusion criteria were: qualitative and/or mixed methods studies in English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish. The review covers studies published from 11 March 2020 to 15 February 2021. CINAHL, PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Scopus, British Nursing Index, Proquest, PsycInfo, and Google Scholar databases were used. We conducted a systematic narrative synthesis, presenting the results narratively and showing descriptive statistics on the studies reviewed. Sixteen documents were obtained from 175 results. Two studies focused on residents and one on their families. The remaining studies looked at professionals. Nursing homes had great difficulty managing resources, which was exacerbated by emotional exhaustion among residents, employees, and family members. In nursing homes, creative initiatives and new forms of leadership appeared to meet emerging needs during the pandemic. The results of the study show the impact of the pandemic on nursing homes and the response capacity present among residents, family members, and professionals.

scholarly journals Developing and evaluating online COVID-centric advance care planning training and information resources for nursing staff and family members in nursing homes: the necessary discussions study protocol

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Harding ◽  
Nancy Preston ◽  
Julie Doherty ◽  
Emily Cousins ◽  
Sandra Varey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Nursing Home ◽  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Advance Care Planning ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Nursing Home Residents ◽  
Online Training ◽  
Information Resources ◽  
Care Planning ◽  
Advance Care

Abstract Background Nursing home residents are typically older adults with high levels of chronic illness and impairment. As such, they are particularly susceptible to severe complications and mortality from COVID-19. Since all nursing home residents are at increased risk, nursing home care staff need to know what residents would want to happen should they become infected with COVID-19. This study aims to develop and evaluate advance care planning (ACP) COVID-centric online training and information resources for nursing home staff and family members of residents, to improve care at the end of life during a COVID-19 outbreak. Based on the findings we will develop implementation guidelines for nursing homes to ensure wider impact and application during the pandemic and beyond. Methods The content of the training and information resources will be based on a rapid review of literature and guidance on ACP in the context of COVID-19 and consultation with the study expert reference group. An integrated communications company will then work alongside the research team to design the online training and information resources. To evaluate the resources, we will employ a multiple case study design where a nursing home (defined as an institutional setting in which nursing care is provided to older adults on-site 24 h a day) will be the unit of analysis or ‘case’. The RE-AIM (reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, maintenance) framework will guide the evaluation of implementation of the training and information resources. We will recruit and interview staff and family members from between 6 and 9 nursing homes across Northern Ireland, England and Scotland and gather quantitative data from a feedback survey included in the training and information resources. Discussion The Necessary Discussions study is very timely given the challenging experiences of nursing homes, their staff, residents and their family members during the COVID-19 pandemic. It meets a key need and addresses an important gap in research and practice. The training and information resources will be ‘COVID-centric’, but they will also have a longstanding relevance for future ACP practice in UK care homes. Trial registration ISRCTN registry (ID 18003630) on 19.05.21

scholarly journals Psychosocial Reactions to Relocation to Nursing Homes in Chinese Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 385-385
Author(s):  
Xiuyan Lan ◽  
Huimin Xiao ◽  
Ying Chen
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Nursing Home ◽  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Nursing Home Residents ◽  
Family Care ◽  
Nursing Home Care ◽  
Family Relation ◽  
Home Life

Abstract This study aimed to elicit psychosocial reactions to relocation to nursing homes from older adults’ perspectives with a qualitative interview design. Narratives from 23 Chinese nursing home residents from Fuzhou, China in a life review program were recorded, transcribed into sentences, and analyzed with the qualitative content analysis. It revealed five stages of psychosocial reactions to relocation to nursing homes as fear, struggle, compromise, acceptance, and contribution. The first stage resulted from negative labels attached to nursing homes, disconnection to the society, difficulties in establishing new relationships, and being abandoned by their families. The second stage described the behaviors of struggle: complain about family members, think of going back home, pray to have a change, and take action to leave. The third stage described the keys to compromise: choices between maintaining the harmony in family relation and companionship of relatives, choices between professional care and family care, and choices between costs and effects of family care and nursing home care. The fourth stage described how they accept nursing home life: accept the life and yet with worries, affirm benefits of living in nursing homes, and embrace the nursing home life. The last stage resulted from sense of ownership and giving full play to self-worth. This study generated new insights into the knowledge on psychosocial reactions to relocation to nursing homes and provided both family members and nursing home staff with a direction for how to promote a smoother relocation process.

scholarly journals A tablet-based intervention for activating nursing home residents with dementia: results from a cluster-randomized controlled trial

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Julie L. O’Sullivan ◽  
Sonia Lech ◽  
Paul Gellert ◽  
Ulrike Grittner ◽  
Jan-Niklas Voigt-Antons ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Nursing Home ◽  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Psychotropic Medication ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Nursing Home Residents ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Cluster Randomized

Abstract Objectives: To investigate global and momentary effects of a tablet-based non-pharmacological intervention for nursing home residents living with dementia. Design: Cluster-randomized controlled trial. Setting: Ten nursing homes in Germany were randomly allocated to the tablet-based intervention (TBI, 5 units) or conventional activity sessions (CAS, 5 units). Participants: N = 162 residents with dementia. Intervention: Participants received regular TBI (n = 80) with stimulating activities developed to engage people with dementia or CAS (n = 82) for 8 weeks. Measurements: Apathy Evaluation Scale (AES-I, primary outcome), Quality of Life in Alzheimer’s Disease scale, QUALIDEM scale, Neuropsychiatric Inventory, Geriatric Depression Scale, and psychotropic medication (secondary outcomes). Momentary quality of life was assessed before and after each activity session. Participants and staff were blinded until the collection of baseline data was completed. Data were analyzed with linear mixed-effects models. Results: Levels of apathy decreased slightly in both groups (mean decrease in AES-I of .61 points, 95% CI −3.54, 2.33 for TBI and .36 points, 95% CI −3.27, 2.55 for CAS). Group difference in change of apathy was not statistically significant (β = .25; 95% CI 3.89, 4.38, p = .91). This corresponds to a standardized effect size (Cohen’s d) of .02. A reduction of psychotropic medication was found for TBI compared to CAS. Further analyses revealed a post-intervention improvement in QUALIDEM scores across both groups and short-term improvements of momentary quality of life in the CAS group. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that interventions involving tailored activities have a beneficial impact on global and momentary quality of life in nursing home residents with dementia. Although we found no clear advantage of TBI compared to CAS, tablet computers can support delivery of non-pharmacological interventions in nursing homes and facilitate regular assessments of fluctuating momentary states.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document