Abstract
In Scandinavia only a few studies have explicitly focused on nursing home quality, and the views of residents and relatives have rarely been investigated. The purpose of this study was to understand what nursing home quality means to residents, relatives and staff. 46 informants from six nursing homes were interviewed, and the same interviewguide with eleven open ended questions was used for all three groups.
Main concerns relevant to nursing home quality mentioned by all groups were: 1) Social activities, 2) A single room when wanted, 3) Enough time for staff to spend with the residents, and 4) Residents' feeling safe and comfortable. Main concerns emphasized differently by the groups: 1) Mixed wards; cognitively well functioning residents expressed discomfort arising from association with demented, 2) Provision of choice, 3) Homelike environment, 4) Primary nursing care and 5) Some residents and relatives expressed anxiety that negative criticism might have repercussions on the individual resident.
Conclusion:
The study provides a basis of important factors describing the empirical reality for residents, relatives and staff. On some aspects of nursing home quality the groups agreed, on other aspects they differed substantially. The study showed the necessity of interviewing all groups when assessing nursing home quality.
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