Exploring what matters to residents of Australian aged care facilities with the Happy Life Index: comparison of qualitative responses between pre- and mid-Covid-19 pandemic time points

Carolyn M. Murray, Steve Milanese, Michelle Guerin, Rebecca Bilton, Katherine L. Baldock, Gaynor Parfitt

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)
45 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Purpose: This study analysed data from a national survey of people living in Australian Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs) reporting on what is the best thing about where they live and suggestions for improvement. Data from prior to the Covid-19 pandemic were compared with data during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Methods: Qualitative data from the Happy Life Index Survey were analysed using summative content analysis to code the responses in the data sets and then organise them into categories. Once categorised, the pre-Covid-19 and mid-Covid-19 data sets were compared using descriptive statistics. 

Results: A total of 4745 residents, from over 100 RACFs, provided 8512 open-text responses to at least one of the two survey questions. Pre-Covid-19 responses were compared with mid-Covid-19 responses and those trending towards relevance (5–10% change) were identified. There were both positive and negative relevant percent changes for staff number, food (general comments), and friendliness. A trending positive percentage change was observed for staff quality and the internal environment. There was a trending negative relevant percentage change for lifestyle activities, staff generally, level of contentedness, the general environment, general choice, and general views about the service. 

Conclusion: People living in RACFs notice the changes in staffing levels and visitors during restrictions imposed during infectious outbreaks. During these times, they appreciate the quality of the staff attending to their needs and the quality of their food. Further exploration is needed of the value of lifestyle activities and strategies to promote feelings of contentedness and general wellbeing during times of restriction.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2247-2257
Number of pages11
JournalQuality of Life Research
Volume32
Issue number8
Early online date16 Mar 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2023
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Elderly
  • Feedback
  • Health services
  • Lifestyle
  • Satisfaction
  • Social interactions
  • Staffing

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Exploring what matters to residents of Australian aged care facilities with the Happy Life Index: comparison of qualitative responses between pre- and mid-Covid-19 pandemic time points'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this