In my thesis, I examine the quality of life of older people in institutional care, with a particular focus on the importance of social contacts and social support. The quality of life of older people is a multidimensional concept that includes physical health, psychological well-being, the level of independence, and social relationships. Social interactions are a particularly important factor in the quality of life of older people in institutional care, as they can influence the sense of belonging, reduce feelings of loneliness, and contribute to overall satisfaction. In nursing homes, social contacts with peers, staff members, and family members play a key role in maintaining the psychosocial well-being of residents. The possibility of making decisions about one’s own life and being involved in the social environment in which an individual lives also plays a key role. Moving to a nursing home represents a significant life change for an individual which, in addition to greater safety and access to assistance, also involves adapting to a new environment, new people, and a different way of life. This transition can affect an individual’s perception of autonomy, social inclusion, and overall well-being. In this context, social contacts play a crucial role, as they influence the sense of belonging, acceptance, and overall life satisfaction, while also helping individuals more easily accept changes in their way of life that result from moving into an institutional environment and adapting to a new life situation.
The aim of my thesis was to explore how residents of nursing homes perceive the quality of their lives and what significance social contacts with other residents, staff members, and family members have in this context. I also focused on the role of social support and the influence of the environment on an individual’s well-being. Social work plays an important role in institutional care, as it contributes to encouraging social contacts, strengthening social support, and improving the quality of life of residents. The research was based on a qualitative approach, and I collected the data through semi-structured interviews with residents of a nursing home.
The results of the study showed that residents most often associate quality of life with health, well-being, a sense of security, and good relationships with people in their environment. I found that social contacts significantly contribute to the well-being of residents, while their absence negatively affects their mood and everyday experiences. Employees and family members also play an important role, as their presence, support, and relationships influence residents’ sense of security, acceptance, and connectedness.
|
