Factors influencing residents' satisfaction in residential aged care

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to identify the important factors influencing residents' satisfaction in residential aged care and to provide a better understanding of their interrelationships. DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey design was used to collect the required information, including resident satisfaction, resident dependency levels, and staff satisfaction. A stratified random sampling approach was utilized to select facilities. All residents satisfying the selection criteria (i.e., understand English, be sufficient cognitive competence, have a sufficient energy level to participate in the survey, and live in the facility for more than 4 weeks) and all care staff were invited to participate. A total of 996 residents and 895 staff from 62 facilities (36 hostels and 26 nursing homes) provided the required data. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the interrelationships among three sets of contributing factors, related to the facility, staff and residents, and resident satisfaction components, separately for nursing home and hostel residents. RESULTS: Overall fits of both nursing home and hostel models were satisfactory. This study has revealed that staff satisfaction plays a crucial and central role in determining resident satisfaction in nursing homes, whereas it has less impact in hostels. The provision of more care hours has only a small, yet positive, impact on resident satisfaction. Larger facility size has a negative impact on resident involvement. Older residents were found to be more satisfied with staff care. IMPLICATIONS: The results provide a comprehensive understanding of what influences resident satisfaction. By accounting for important factors identified by residents, a resident-focused care model can be developed and implemented, leading to better service for aged care residents.