Quality of life of people with dementia in nursing homes in Austria: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: The preservation and promotion of the quality of life (QoL) is a central objective in the provision of nursing care for people with dementia (PwD). Long-term care facilities face the major challenge to promote the QoL of the ever-growing group of PwD by providing adequate nursing care. Objective: The aim of the study was to outline the QoL of residents with dementia in Austrian nursing homes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out. The data were collected through the Quality of Life in Dementia Questionnaire (QUALIDEM) and the Functional Assessment Staging Test (FAST). Results: 147 people with mild to moderately severe dementia and 80 people with severe dementia residing in 23 nursing homes were included in the study. In people with mild to severe dementia, the highest scores were observed in the QUALIDEM-subscales positive affect and feeling at home, indicating a high QoL in these areas. The lowest scores with respect to the QoL were found in the categories restless tense behavior and having something to do. People with a very severe dementia had the lowest scores in the QUALIDEM-subscales social relations, restless tense behavior and having something to do, indicating a low QoL in these areas. The categories with the highest scores were positive self-image and feeling at home. Conclusion: The results of the study provide first data and clues for possible developments or necessary changes in the care of PwD in long-term care facilities in Tyrol/Austria.