Taiwanese long-term care facility residents' experiences of caring: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND

Until now, caring research has focused on constructs, processes and outcomes of caring traits exhibited mainly by nurses or nursing students in hospitals. Few studies have considered the perspectives of elderly residents of long-term care facilities (LTCFs).

AIMS

The aim of this study was to elucidate the nature of caring by describing the experience of elderly residents of Taiwan LTCFs.

METHODS

Data collected by semi-structured interviews with 12 elderly residents of LTCFs were analysed by content analysis.

RESULTS

The caring perceived by the sample was thematically categorized as calming the body, respectful communication and enriching life.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study confirm the need for managers of LTCFs to address the physical and psychosocial needs of their residents. The findings can be used to develop education programmes and clinical protocols for nurses in the caring field and to develop instruments for measuring perceived caring in LTCFs.