Factors influencing quality of life for people with dementia : a qualitative perspective

Objectives: An exploration and understanding of quality of life (QOL) can help to enhance understanding and respect for people with dementia and assist in improving care and treatment of this population. This study sought to understand the factors that influence QOL for people living with dementia in long-term care (LTC), including an understanding of how they perceived they were valued.Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with 32 older people with dementia from one service provider and across four large care settings, in two Australian states.Results: While these residents were either satisfied or dissatisfied with elements of their life, the factors influencing a positive QOL were related to their relationship with family and other people, and ‘things’ such as needing some control over their life and, more importantly, needing to contribute to their community. Participants reported feeling of little use and therefore of limited value to society.Conclusion: This study proposes a need to understand how relationships might be maintained and strengthened following a move into LTC and highlights the importance of control and its influence on feeling valued.