Quality of life concerns and end-of-life care preferences of aged persons in long-term care facilities.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed at understanding quality of life (QOL) concerns and end-of-life care preferences of older people living in long-term care facilities in Hong Kong.


BACKGROUND
Previous studies about the QOL of residents in long-term care facilities were often from a qualitative perspective, because it could yield an in-depth description of the experience. Quantitative studies in this area were not only scarce, but also less specific in capturing the concerns of this vulnerable group. Their forethought about their care planning was also overlooked.


METHODS
We successfully interviewed 287 older residents from 10 long-term care homes using the modified Quality-of-Life Concerns in the End of Life Questionnaire (QOLC-E) in a cross-sectional survey.


RESULTS
The mean (SD) ages of the frail and non-frail groups were 83.8 (6.74) and 82.35 (5.82) respectively. The majority of them were female and widowed. Existential distress, value of life and food-related concerns were the least desirable QOL concerns in both groups. Considerable numbers were uncertain about their end-of-life care preferences and they preferred their physician to be their surrogate.


CONCLUSIONS
The older residents had similar QOL concerns as patients with terminal or advanced diseases. Most of the older residents welcomed discussion about death and dying but had not planned for their end-of-life care and had a high regard for their physicians' authority.


CONCLUSIONS
The results reveal the major QOL concerns among the older residents living in long-term care facilities. This study, which is an initial step in profiling the older people's end-of-life care preferences, also shed light on how to formulate advance care planning in long-term care facilities.
Chan
Helen Y  L
HY
School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China. hsylchan@inet.polyu.edu.hk
Pang
Samantha M  C
SM
D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D058016:Health Facility Administration; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care; D008297:Male; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life; D013727:Terminal Care