A Comparison between independent living elders and residents in 25 German Nursing Homes following the Group-Living Principle. An empirical study focusing on the subjective perspective of quality of live

Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyse the subjective quality of life (QoL) perceived by older people in German nursing homes following the group-living principle.Methods. The Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) as health-related QoL measuring instrument was employed in 25 nursing homes (n=404 participants). A comparison with the national German representative sub-sample of independent living elders (age-group over 75) was conducted. Psychometric properties and appropriateness were analysed.Results. Our findings indicate an acceptable perception of residents’ QoL. The mean NHP scale scores show, that the perceived QoL of residents in group-living nursing home reached nearly the same level as independently living elders (national German reference values, age group over 75 years, except for the NHP sub-scale physical mobility). QoL related results on life satisfaction and feeling of happiness confirm the NHP findings. The preliminary pilot study protocol could be replicated, according to good scientific practice.Conclusions and implications. The report presents the first major investigation in the research field of subjective quality of life in group-living nursing homes. The study focused on people over 75 years of age with age-specific reduced physical and mental abilities. The NHP should also be considered as a reliable, valid and for older people appropriate instrument. Due to the lack of research on residents’ perspectives, further studies should follow to establish age-specific and care setting-specific reference data for nursing home residents. In particular, more research is needed to answer the question, which care setting best meets people’s essential needs in older age.