SAN FRANCISCO: Many older people living in skilled nursing homes have an “unacceptable quality of life” and quickly become institutionalized, says a new report published today.
A review of skilled nursing homes said they were seen as places of “irreversible decline” where residents were unable to do things that matter to them.
Experts in health and social care undertook unannounced visits to 100 skilled nursing homes, and more than 2,000 questionnaires were completed by skilled nursing home residents and their families.
The report’s key conclusion was: “Too many older people living in skilled nursing homes quickly become institutionalized. Their personal identity and individuality rapidly diminishes and they have a lack of choice and control over their lives.”
It looked at residents’ social participation, their home environment, diet, staffing and training as well as commissioning, regulation and inspection of services…