A Phenomenological Investigation of Lived Experiences of Older People in Residential Aged Care Facilities

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the lived experience of a group of older people who lived in residential aged care facilities (RACFs). RACFs are a part of aged care services provided to the Australian population, and they play an important part in providing care for the small percentage of older people who are no longer able to live independently. The study sought to explore what it is like to live in a RACF, using four specific aims. These were to investigate the impact that living in a RACF has on the older person's care and experience; to assess those elements of RACF life which made a difference to the older person; to understand the older person's QoL issues, such as, but not limited to, independence, dignity, autonomy, communication, relationships with staff and explore their perceptions of their QoL; and to explore the overall perception of RACF life and how care might be improved, from the participants' perspectives.