Relationship between perceived empowerment care and quality of life among elderly residents within nursing homes in Taiwan: a questionnaire survey

BACKGROUND: It is essential for nurses to have a solid understanding of what may influence the quality of life (QOL) among elderly residents within nursing homes. Although many factors have been demonstrated to be related to the QOL among elderly people, the relationship between perceived empowerment care and QOL among elderly residents within nursing homes has not been investigated thoroughly. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to explore how demographic characteristics, perceived empowerment care and functional status affect perceived QOL among the elderly residents who reside in nursing homes. DESIGN: This study employed a cross-sectional design. SETTINGS: Eight nursing homes throughout southern Taiwan were recruited into this study. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred and two residents aged 65 years or older residing in nursing homes for at least 6 months, who did not have moderate to severe obstacles in cognitive ability, were recruited as participants. METHODS: A questionnaire including demographic data, a physical function scale, an activity of daily living (ADL) scale, a patient empowerment scale, and a QOL index was used in this study. RESULTS: The results showed a medium rating level of QOL among elderly residents. Elderly residents did not feel excessively disempowered care. Perceived empowering care, ADLs and marital status were significant predictors of QOL, which explained 45.3% of the total amount of variance in QOL. Perceived empowering care was the most important predictor of QOL. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses should pay attention to the effect of empowering care on QOL of elderly residents within nursing homes. Empowering care should be considered as a strategy of nursing care in nursing homes.