Life in a nursing home for the frail elderly: daily routines.

This study forms part of a research project intended to shape the care of elderly residents in two nursing homes so that it better corresponds to their needs. The goal of this effort was to look at the life and treatment experiences of frail elderly residents. The data were collected by interviewing 31 residents and analyzed using continuous comparison methods. The results showed that the nursing staff was clearly preoccupied with daily activities, whereas the lives of elderly residents received less attention. There was a widespread feeling among residents that staff members were always pressed for time and did not want to talk with them. Nursing staff should encourage elderly patients to talk about their hopes, desires, and everyday thoughts. A closer familiarity with their patients' life stories will also help the nursing staff to understand and appreciate the hopes of their clients.