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Multiple perspectives on quality of life for residents with dementia in long term care facilities: protocol for a comprehensive Australian study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 April 2015

Elizabeth Beattie*
Affiliation:
Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Maria O’Reilly
Affiliation:
Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Wendy Moyle
Affiliation:
Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Lynn Chenoweth
Affiliation:
University of New South Wales and University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Deirdre Fetherstonhaugh
Affiliation:
La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Barbara Horner
Affiliation:
Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
Andrew Robinson
Affiliation:
University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
Elaine Fielding
Affiliation:
Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: Elizabeth Beattie, Dementia Collaborative Research Centre: Carers and Consumers, School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, 4059, Australia. Phone: (07) 3138 3847; Fax: (07) 3138 5941. Email: elizabeth.beattie@qut.edu.au.

Abstract

Background:

Dementia is a chronic illness without cure or effective treatment, which results in declining mental and physical function and assistance from others to manage activities of daily living. Many people with dementia live in long term care facilities, yet research into their quality of life (QoL) was rare until the last decade. Previous studies failed to incorporate important variables related to the facility and care provision or to look closely at the daily lives of residents. This paper presents a protocol for a comprehensive, multi-perspective assessment of QoL of residents with dementia living in long term care in Australia. A secondary aim is investigating the effectiveness of self-report instruments for measuring QoL.

Methods:

The study utilizes a descriptive, mixed methods design to examine how facility, care staff, and resident factors impact QoL. Over 500 residents with dementia from a stratified, random sample of 53 facilities are being recruited. A sub-sample of 12 residents is also taking part in qualitative interviews and observations.

Conclusions:

This national study will provide a broad understanding of factors underlying QoL for residents with dementia in long term care. The present study uses a similar methodology to the US-based Collaborative Studies of Long Term Care (CS-LTC) Dementia Care Study, applying it to the Australian setting.

Type
Protocol-only paper
Copyright
Copyright © International Psychogeriatric Association 2015 

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