Quality of life indicators in long-term care: opinions of elderly residents and their families.

Background: There are very few studies that have integrated the opinions of nursing home residents and their families into the process of developing valid outcome measures for the quality of life in long-term care facilities.

Purpose: The objective of this study was to identify the interpersonal and environmental characteristics for the best substitute living environment, as perceived by recently (< 6 months) and not as recently (> 6 months of residency) admitted residents and their families.

Methods: A qualitative research approach was used with 27 elderly residents and families from five nursing homes.