title: Constructing the meaning of quality of life for residents in care homes in the Lebanon: perspectives of residents, staff and family.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Located in two care homes in Lebanon, the study explores the perspectives of quality of life for a sample of older residents, care staff and family caregivers.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Quality of life for older people living in care homes is traditionally reported in the literature as a Westernised construct and so far little is known about its meanings from an Arabic cultural perspective and context. There is also a knowledge gap about the conditions of older people living in care homes in Lebanon.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study was a qualitative exploration of perspectives of quality of life of older residents, care staff and family caregivers. Two care homes for older people situated in Beirut took part in the study. Between 2010 and 2011 semi-structured interviews were undertaken with a sample of 20 residents, eight family caregivers and 11 care staff. Data were analysed using the constant comparative method.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Four categories emerged from this analytical process: (i) maintaining family connectedness; (ii) engaging in worthwhile activities; (iii) maintaining and developing significant relationships; and (iv) holding and practicing spiritual beliefs. The emergence of these categories confirmed the complex, interrelated and multidimensional nature of quality of life for residents and other stakeholders.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings supplement an emerging body of knowledge about the composition of quality of life for older residents in Lebanon. Improving the quality of life of older residents will require action in respect of all of the domains identified in study.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Moving nursing practice from task-based care to relationship-centred approaches was seen as pivotal in helping to develop quality of life for residents living in the participating care homes. The findings have implications for education, nursing practice and research in Lebanon and help start an evidence base for care.
authors.affiliation: Hariri School of Nursing, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.
authors.forename: Marina Gharibian
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Adra
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing Midwifery and Social Work, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hopton
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing Midwifery and Social Work, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Keady
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007861:Lebanon; D008297:Male; D009735:Nursing Homes; D010361:Patients / Q000523:psychology*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life; D012944:Social Support
keywords: Lebanon; care home; nursing; older people; quality of life