title: Quality of life in the care home: a qualitative study of the perspectives of residents with multiple sclerosis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Care home residents with multiple sclerosis (MS) are more physically dependent than the average residents. However, little is known about their quality of life (QoL). We investigated the experiences of residents with MS using qualitative research methods and developed a conceptual model of QoL.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-one people with MS (age range 43-80 years) residing in a range of care homes were interviewed. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using the constant comparative method.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Four core model domains identified were as follows: (i) What the care home means to the residents, (ii) Self, (iii) Environment and (iv) Relationships. Some residents reported that care homes can relieve the burden on family, address specific environmental issues regarding safety and act as a form of social support. However, some reported isolation and difficulties adjusting to life in the care home. Having access to rehabilitation strengthened the feelings of independence within the care home.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  QoL is a broad, multidimensional construct for residents with MS. QoL measures for residents with MS should incorporate broad domains, including environmental factors. The conceptual model highlighted several areas for improving QoL of residents with MS, including more involvement of family members, encouraging independence by providing access to rehabilitation and providing support in the transition process.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, Surrey, UK. cate.stephens@hotmail.co.uk
authors.forename: Afsane
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Riazi
authors.forename: Siobhan A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Bradshaw
authors.forename: E Diane
authors.initials: ED
authors.lastname: Playford
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006304:Health Status; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008134:Long-Term Care; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D009735:Nursing Homes; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom