End-of-Life Care in Community-Based Services at Nursing Multifunctional Small Group Homes: Supporting Aging in Place

Abstract

This study investigates the actual condition of and staff satisfaction with end‑of‑life multifunctional small group homes （ NMSGHs ） to design an appropriate community‑based support project for implementing aging in place. This study aimed to determine and promote EOLC and satisfaction of the staff, patients, and their family members in other community‑based services （ CBSs ）， such as group homes for people with dementia. We conducted an anonymous self‑ administered questionnaire survey among the staff of NMSGHs and analyzed 84 valid responses from 44 nurses and 40 care workers. In total, 92.7 % of NMSGHs provided EOLC. As the number of full‑time nurses increased, a corresponding increase was seen in EOLC, showing a positive correlation. The quantum of EOLC was related to the perceived satisfaction of patients, their family members, and care workers, but it decreased nurses’ satisfaction. In order to promote EOLC and staff satisfaction among CBSs including NMSGHs, education and training programs for staff development should be provided. Providing online EOLC education and training by linking a wide range of community professionals and CBSs are recommended to improve not only the quality but also the quantum of EOLC at CBSs to realize aging in place.