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Constructing the meaning of quality of life for residents in care homes in the L ebanon: perspectives of residents, staff and family
Author(s) -
Adra Marina Gharibian,
Hopton John,
Keady John
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
international journal of older people nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.707
H-Index - 29
eISSN - 1748-3743
pISSN - 1748-3735
DOI - 10.1111/opn.12094
Subject(s) - context (archaeology) , nursing , qualitative research , social connectedness , quality (philosophy) , quality of life (healthcare) , psychology , meaning (existential) , situated , gerontology , perspective (graphical) , medicine , thematic analysis , family caregivers , construct (python library) , sociology , social psychology , paleontology , social science , epistemology , artificial intelligence , computer science , psychotherapist , biology , programming language , philosophy
Aim Located in two care homes in Lebanon, the study explores the perspectives of quality of life for a sample of older residents, care staff and family caregivers. Background Quality of life for older people living in care homes is traditionally reported in the literature as a Westernised construct and so far little is known about its meanings from an Arabic cultural perspective and context. There is also a knowledge gap about the conditions of older people living in care homes in Lebanon. Method The study was a qualitative exploration of perspectives of quality of life of older residents, care staff and family caregivers. Two care homes for older people situated in Beirut took part in the study. Between 2010 and 2011 semi‐structured interviews were undertaken with a sample of 20 residents, eight family caregivers and 11 care staff. Data were analysed using the constant comparative method. Findings Four categories emerged from this analytical process: (i) maintaining family connectedness; (ii) engaging in worthwhile activities; (iii) maintaining and developing significant relationships; and (iv) holding and practicing spiritual beliefs. The emergence of these categories confirmed the complex, interrelated and multidimensional nature of quality of life for residents and other stakeholders. Conclusion The findings supplement an emerging body of knowledge about the composition of quality of life for older residents in Lebanon. Improving the quality of life of older residents will require action in respect of all of the domains identified in study. Implications for practice Moving nursing practice from task‐based care to relationship‐centred approaches was seen as pivotal in helping to develop quality of life for residents living in the participating care homes. The findings have implications for education, nursing practice and research in Lebanon and help start an evidence base for care.