‘I hate having nobody here. I’d like to know where they all are’: Can qualitative research detect differences in quality of life among nursing home residents with different levels of cognitive impairment?

Findings support the increasing evidence that people with a CI and even those with a probable advanced dementia can often still communicate their views and preferences about what is important to them. Whilst apathy, depression and anxiety are common features of advanced dementia, the social inclusion of these people in the day-to-day ethos of NH life needs a lot more careful consideration. More research is also needed to better understand the chronic and unique needs of this very vulnerable group of people.