Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

J. Hoe, G. Hancock, G. Livingston and M. Orrell

Despite most having severe dementia, residents’ views of their own quality of life were strongly linked to their mood, suggesting that improving mood would increase quality of life. In contrast, staff related quality of life to dependency and behaviour problems, suggesting that they considered disability to be the most important factor. Care staff and health professionals should be aware that the quality of life of people with dementia in residential homes might primarily relate to their mood in terms of both anxiety and depression. Maximising their enjoyment and enhancing well-being along with the identification and treatment of mood disorders should therefore be prioritised in care plans.

The British Journal of Psychiatry | Cambridge Core Source: Quality of life of people with dementia in residential care homes | The British Journal of Psychiatry | Cambridge Core