A three perspective study of the sense of home of nursing home residents: the views of residents, care professionals and relatives

Abstract

Background: The sense of home of nursing home residents is a multifactorial phenomenon which is important for the quality of living. This purpose of this study is to investigate the factors influencing the sense of home of older adults residing in the nursing home from the perspective of residents, relatives and care professionals.Methods: A total of 78 participants (n = 24 residents, n = 18 relatives and n = 26 care professionals) from 4 nursing homes in the Netherlands engaged in a qualitative study, in which photography was as a supportive tool for subsequent interviews and focus groups. The data were analyzed based on open ended coding, axial coding and selective coding. Results: The sense of home of nursing home residents is influenced by a number of jointly identified factors, including the building and interior design; eating and drinking; autonomy and control; involvement of relatives; engagement with others and activities; quality of care are shared themes. Residents and relatives stressed the importance of having a connection with nature and the outdoors, as well as coping strategies. Relatives and care professionals emphasized the role the organization of facilitation of care played, as well as making residents feel like they still matter. Conclusions: The sense of home of nursing home residents is influenced by a multitude of factors related to the psychology of the residents, and the social and built environmental contexts. A holistic understanding of which factors influence the sense of home of residents can lead to strategies to optimize this sense of home. This study also indicated that the nursing home has a dual nature as a place of residence and a place where people are supported through numerous care strategies.

Methods for Involving People Living with Dementia and Their Informal Carers as Co-Developers of Technological Solutions

“…This purpose of the study was to investigate the factors influencing the sense of home among older adults residing in the nursing home from the perspective of residents, their relatives and care professionals. 24 residents and 18 relatives participated in 4 nursing homes in the Netherlands in a photoproduction study with subsequent interviews [8]. The methodology had been tested before in a gerontopsychiatric nursing home population [9].…”

Re-Inventing Existing Real Estate of Social Housing for Older People: Building a New De Benring in Voorst, The Netherlands

“…The majority of Dutch social housing associations generally focus on the two bottom levels of the pyramid, while having an ambition to also cover the third level ( Figure 1). However, Habion wishes to cover all the levels of the pyramid in order to ensure all older residents are supported to live a full life in a comfortable environment and where one feels at home [8,[21][22][23]. Habion also aims to ensure their residents can live an autonomous life coupled with the physical space within the respective building(s) there is the opportunity to use the communal meeting space to facilitate spontaneous meetings, activities, and gatherings.…”

“…Habion believes a home is more than just a house and believes in the personal experience and the emotions of all its residents. However, this type of environment does not occur over night but gradually over time, developed by the person or people who deem independence, security, and their self-identity, choice and memories are essential [8,[21][22][23][24][25][26][27]. The development of a sense of home is associated to the concept of place attachment theory.…”

“…Ensuring there is a bond between all interested parties and making an environment that all would want to be a part of. [8,[21][22][23]. Habion also aims to ensure their residents can live an autonomous life coupled with the physical space within the respective building(s) there is the opportunity to use the communal meeting space to facilitate spontaneous meetings, activities, and gatherings.…”

“…The ageing population has a profound impact on the real estate market, which is, for instance, transforming in terms of the availability of single-floor dwellings for older people [7]. Older people usually have a strong connection with the environment they know well [8], enabling them to spend the latter years of their life in a familiar setting, which, in turn, influences their independence. Older people are encouraged to continue living in their homes in their familiar environment, instead of moving to an institutional care facility, and this is referred to as "ageing-in-place" [9].…”