The impact of the social environment on nursing home residents.
This study contrasted the experienced quality of life of residents living on one of two nursing home units: a unit for those considered socially intact and a unit combining residents who had moderately impaired cognition or physical function with those requiring skilled nursing or therapy. Qualitative interviews were held with residents of both units. The findings indicate that the social environment of each of the units played a fundamental role in the residents' quality of life. The social environment affected the residents' conceptions of self, their interactions with other residents and their interactions with the nursing staff. The article suggests the processes behind the social environment of each floor that may have resulted in different perceptions of the quality of life.
Herzberg
S R
SR
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program, Bristol Community College, Fall River, MA 02720, USA.
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D016330:Frail Elderly; D006272:Health Facility Environment; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D009511:New England; D009735:Nursing Homes / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012931:Social Environment