Context: Individual and system factors can affect quality of life in long-term care (LTC). Objective: To understand how residents and their families experience quality of life to recommend changes to improve their experience. Methods: This study is a patient-oriented analysis of the qualitative field notes captured in the margins of a questionnaire by family partner researchers, between July 2019 and February 2020. Field notes were captured from residents (n = 141) and family members (n = 67), at six homes (three rural and three urban). Prospective participants were informed about the project by a member of the home. Those who expressed interest were approached by the research team, who obtained informed consent. We conducted an inductive thematic analysis of the data. Findings: Our analysis revealed six themes: Continuing the Journey, situating LTC homes as a transitional space in the larger experience of growing older; This is my New Reality, the observable parts of the LTC home experience; I Feel, the emotional implications of the experience of the LTC home; Being in Control (Or Not), the sense of choice or agency; What Matters, the things participants highlighted as most important; and We are Humans: Residents as Individuals, the unique situations and experiences of participants. These themes highlighted key elements related to quality of life, as observed by the researchers. Limitations: The organic nature of the project limited the standardization of data. Implications: A greater understanding of relationship-centred care, as well as providing choices when possible, could improve the quality of life for residents in LTC.
Ottley et al. (2026) studied this question.