A good death for residents of long-term care: family members speak.
Little research has been done on the topic of end-of-life care in long-term care settings to identify important themes regarding end-of-life care structures, processes, and outcomes. This study utilized data gathered in a stratified, random sample of 437 family members of residents who died in 31 nursing homes (NHs) and 199 residential care/ assisted living facilities. Structural components of care including staffing adequacy, training, and consistency as well as facility environment and size were important factors for family members interviewed. "Being there" and manner of care delivery (e.g., staff attitudes/empathy) were major elements in the process of care. These factors were mentioned more than direct care, Hospice, or resident preferences. Family members identified themes of [dying at] home and being comfortable and clean as important outcomes of care. These identified structural components, processes, and outcomes have implications for the role of social workers in these settings despite that social work support is notably absent in these findings.
Munn
Jean C
JC
School of Social Work, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the Cecil G Sheps Center for Health Services Research, 725 Martin Luther King, Jr Blvd, Campus Box 7590, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7590, USA. munn@email.unc.edu
Zimmerman
Sheryl
S
D003643:Death; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010361:Patients / Q000523:psychology*; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D012112:Residential Facilities / Q000458:organization & administration*; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000458:organization & administration*