Understanding how users of home-based aged care services with cognitive impairment rate their social care related quality of life
2024

Understanding Quality of Life in Home-Based Care for Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment

Sample size: 26 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Phillipson Lyn, Caiels James, Smith Louisa, Towers Ann-Marie

Primary Institution: University of Wollongong

Hypothesis

How do older users of home-based aged care services with cognitive impairment rate their social care related quality of life?

Conclusion

Older people with cognitive impairment often adapt to their limitations, which affects their expectations and quality of life at home.

Supporting Evidence

  • Participants rated their social care related quality of life (SCRQoL) lower in higher order domains like social participation.
  • Most participants adapted to their limitations, which influenced their quality of life ratings.
  • Qualitative comments revealed unmet needs despite positive SCRQoL ratings.

Takeaway

This study shows that older people with memory problems can feel okay about their lives at home, even if they have some difficulties.

Methodology

Interviews were conducted using the ASCOT-Easy Read tool, with thematic analysis of qualitative data and quantitative analysis of SCRQoL scores.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to self-reported data and the convenience sampling method.

Limitations

The study was limited to two geographical regions and may not represent all users of home care services.

Participant Demographics

{"age_range":"63-99","mean_age":82.51,"gender_distribution":{"female":15,"male":11},"carer_status":{"with_carer":19,"co_resident_carer":6},"diagnosed_dementia":9}

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/s12877-024-05613-x

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