Factors associated with comfort as perceived by older people living in long-term care facilities

Abstract

Background: Perceived comfort levels of older people living in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) influence their health and wellbeing. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the comfort levels and factors that contributed to comfort among older people living in LTCFs. Methods: A cross-sectional research design was used. Sociodemographic profile, physical function, pain, depressive symptom, social support, and comfort levels were collected. Stepwise multiple regression was utilised to identify the factors of residents’ comfort level in the LTCFs. Findings: A total of 114 residents were recruited in the study. Depressive symptom (β = -0.630, p < 0.001), social support (β = 0.260, p < 0.001), and pain (β = -0.128, p < 0.01) were the factors identified associated with perceived comfort among older people living in LTCFs (adjusted R2=88.2%). Older people with less depressive symptoms, greater social interaction and lower levels of pain showed higher comfort levels while living in long-term care facilities. Discussion: Comfort, as perceived by older people living in LTCFs, is influenced by a combination of physiological and psychological factors. For older people to live comfortably in LTCFs, clinicians need to consider early detection of potential mental health issues such as depression, enhance the social support networks within and external to LTCFs and effectively manage pain. Conclusion: The findings inform gerontological nurses in assessing comfort levels of the residents and in implementing interventions to increase the comfort levels of older people living in long term care facilities.