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A Secondary Analysis of Perceptions of Quality of Life of Older Adults Residing in a Nursing Home and Assisted Living Setting Using an Integrated Conceptual Model of Measurement

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Abstract

Quality of life is difficult to measure but is fast becoming the standard for long-term care. A secondary analysis was conducted of quality-of-life perceptions of older adults residing in a nursing home and then an assisted living facility from the perspectives of older adults and their family members/friends. This study shows that using a comprehensive integrated model that incorporates six major life domains of physical well-being, social well-being, psychological well-being, cognitive well-being, spiritual well-being, and environmental well-being into the assessment process appears to be a promising approach to determining quality-of-life perceptions of older adults. Findings also suggest that healthcare and human services professionals should place more reliance on indicators of social and environmental well-being, including opportunities for choice, when striving to maximize quality of life of older adults. As the demographic composition of the United States changes, policies and services will need to be modified to accommodate the changing needs of older adults in a way that optimizes perspectives of quality of life.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Nebraska at Omaha Grace Abbott School of Social Work, 6001 Dodge Street, CB #205 C, Omaha, NE, 68182, USA

    Nancy Kelley-Gillespie

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  1. Nancy Kelley-Gillespie
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Correspondence to Nancy Kelley-Gillespie.

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Kelley-Gillespie, N. A Secondary Analysis of Perceptions of Quality of Life of Older Adults Residing in a Nursing Home and Assisted Living Setting Using an Integrated Conceptual Model of Measurement. Applied Research Quality Life 7, 137–154 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11482-011-9154-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11482-011-9154-6

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