Suchergebnisse

This qualitative research using the focus group approach has gathered pertinent perceptions from the stakeholders in Chinese elderly care environment, including community-based and institutionalised elderly, medical providers, administrators and governmental officials. The study found that the elderly are willing to live in nursing homes when they are not in good physical condition and are dependent on others for their activities of daily living. The utilisation of nursing home care has gained acceptance in the community as more elders recognise its advantages. The elderly study subjects expressed interest in the service environment, as well as the cultural and recreational activities in nursing homes. Most participants were satisfied with the quality of nursing care. Administrators and providers in the nursing homes agreed that skilled nursing facilities appear to be more competitive because they require more licensed providers and other professional staff members. A majority of nursing homes face serious financial difficulties.

A positive relationship has been demonstrated between the quality of care delivered in nursing homes and the quality of nursing staff providing the care. The general perception, however, is that there is a decline in registered nurses' staff hours in nursing homes. The primary objective of this study is to investigate whether the levels of registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and nursing assistants (NAs) as well as skill mix has changed in nursing homes between the years 1997 and 2007. A descriptive research design was employed on data derived from Online Survey Certification and Reporting System database. After accounting for facility size and ownership, it was found that more nursing homes have increased—rather than decreased—LPN and NA hours per resident day between 1997 and 2007. On the other hand, more nursing homes have decreased—rather than increased—RN hours per resident day and skill mix during the same time period.