A Comparison between Independently Living Elderly Individuals and Residents in 25 German Nursing Homes Following the Group-Living Principle

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyses the subjective Quality of Life (QoL) perceived by older people in German nursing homes following the group-living principle. Methods: The Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), a health-related QoL measuring instrument, was employed in 25 nursing homes (n=404 participants). A comparison with a national German representative subsample of independently living elderly individuals (age group over 75) was conducted. Psychometric properties and appropriateness were analyzed. Results: Our findings indicate an acceptable perception of residents’ QoL. The mean NHP scale scores show that except for the NHP subscale physical ability, the perceived QoL of residents in group-living nursing homes reached nearly the same level as that of independently living elderly individuals (national German reference values, age group over 75 years). QoL-related results on life satisfaction and feeling of happiness confirm the NHP findings. The protocol from a preliminary pilot study could be replicated according to good scientific practice. Conclusions and Implications: The report presents the first major investigation in the field of subjective quality of life in group-living nursing homes. The study focused on people over 75 years of age with age-specific reduced physical and mental abilities. The NHP should also be considered a reliable, valid and appropriate instrument for older people. Due to the lack of research on residents’ perspectives, further studies should establish age-specific and care setting specific reference data for nursing home residents. In particular, more research is needed to answer the question of which care setting best meets people’s essential needs in older age.