Elderly Care in Transition: Experiences of Elderly Individuals in Three Nursing Homes in Kosovo

Flaka Hoti; Antigona Ukëhaxhaj; Doruntina Kabashi; Faton Hoxha; Besarta Pelaj; Lirigzon Goçaj; Hasime Terziqi

doi:10.71164/socialmedicine.v18i2.2025.1933

Authors

Flaka Hoti Faculty of Medicine, University “Fehmi Agani,” Gjakova, Kosovo. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4780-5776
Antigona Ukëhaxhaj Faculty of Medicine, University “Fehmi Agani,” Gjakova, Kosovo / National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo, Pristina, Kosovo. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4128-0769
Doruntina Kabashi Faculty of Medicine, University “Fehmi Agani,” Gjakova, Kosovo. https://orcid.org/0009-0008-2696-8390
Faton Hoxha Faculty of Medicine, University “Fehmi Agani,” Gjakova, Kosovo / University Clinical Hospital Service of Kosova, Surgery Clinic, Pristina, Kosovo https://orcid.org/0009-0008-2819-3867
Besarta Pelaj Faculty of Medicine, University “Fehmi Agani,” Gjakova, Kosovo / Faculty of Medicine, University of Pristina, Pristina, Kosovo. https://orcid.org/0009-0005-5022-2159
Lirigzon Goçaj Faculty of Medicine, University “Fehmi Agani,” Gjakova, Kosovo. https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5434-7255
Hasime Terziqi Faculty of Medicine, University “Fehmi Agani,” Gjakova, Kosovo. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7852-2405

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71164/socialmedicine.v18i2.2025.1933

Keywords:

Elderly Care, Nursing Homes, Transition, Long-Term Care, Kosovo

Abstract

Objective. In Kosovo, a focus on young people has led to the neglect of elderly care in policy. However, as demographics shift, the number of elderly individuals is expected to increase in the coming years. This study aimed to evaluate elderly individuals' perceptions regarding their daily lives and experiences in nursing homes, focusing on aspects that impact their well-being. Material and Methods. A qualitative approach was used through individual interviews, employing a modified questionnaire for data collection. In total, three 24-hour nursing homes were included in the study: two in the Municipality of Peja, and one in the Municipality of Gjakova, Kosovo. Results. Elderly individuals positively evaluate the quality of care in nursing homes, including the staff, comfort, food, and cleanliness of the environment. However, they face feelings of loneliness, a lack of new social connections, and health limitations. The majority expressed a desire to stay longer in their own homes. The transition to a new living environment was emotionally taxing, leading to a deep sense of longing for their families. Conclusion. Elderly individuals perceive nursing home care positively, appreciating attentive staff, a familial atmosphere, comfort, quality food, and cleanliness. However, many elderly individuals also face health limitations and emotional challenges, including feelings of loneliness and a lack of social connections. It is crucial to create home-based support services to postpone the move to nursing homes, implement social and mental health initiatives to address loneliness, and offer specialized health services for managing chronic illnesses.

References

World Health Organization. Long-term care [Internet]. 2022 [cited 2024 Dec 1]. Available from: https://www.who.int/europe/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/long-term-care

World Health Organization. Ageing and health [Internet]. 2018 [cited 2024 Oct 1]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ageing-and-health

Hoti F. Impact of physical activity on longevity: A review of the literature. Atena J Public Health. 2021;3:1–10.

Ukëhaxhaj A, Sutaj B, Terziqi H, Vrella A, Hoxha F. Knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors toward proper nutrition and lifestyles in Kosovar diabetic patients. Int J Biomedicine. 2024;14(1):110–7. doi: https://doi.org/10.21103/Article14(1)_OA17 DOI: https://doi.org/10.21103/Article14(1)_OA17

Greve B. Long-term care for the elderly in Europe: Development and prospects. Roskilde University, Denmark: Department of Society and Business; 2020.

Sullivan LJ, Asselin ME. Revisiting quality of life for elders in long-term care: An integrative review. Nurs Forum. 2013;48(3):191–204. doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/nuf.12030 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/nuf.12030

Leichsenring K, Billings J, Henk N, editors. Improving policy and practice in long-term care. In: Long-term care in Europe: Improving policy and practice. Palgrave Macmillan; 2018. p. 325–36. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137032348_15

Chang YP, Li J, Porock D. The effect on nursing home resident outcomes of creating a household within a traditional structure. J Am Med Dir Assoc. 2013;14(4):293–9. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamda.2013.01.013 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamda.2013.01.013

Poey JL, Hermer L, Cornelison L, Kaup ML, Drake P, Stone RI, et al. Does person-centered care improve residents' satisfaction with nursing home quality? J Am Med Dir Assoc. 2017;18(11):974–9. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamda.2017.06.007 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamda.2017.06.007

Cho E, Kim H, Kim J, Lee K, Meghani SH, Chang SJ. Older adult residents' perceptions of daily lives in nursing homes. J Nurs Scholarsh. 2017;49(5):495–503. doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/jnu.12314 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jnu.12314

Rijnaard MD, van Hoof J, Janssen BM, Verbeek H, Pocornie W, Eijkelenboom A, et al. The factors influencing the sense of home in nursing homes: A systematic review from the perspective of residents. J Aging Res. 2016;2016:1–17. doi: https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/6143645 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/6143645

Gilbert AS, Garratt SM, Kosowicz L, Ostaszkiewicz J, Dow B. Aged care residents’ perspectives on quality of care in care homes: A systematic review of qualitative evidence. Res Aging. 2021;43(7–8):294–310. doi: https://doi.org/10.1177/0164027521989074 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0164027521989074

Hebb, D.O. (2002) The organization of behavior: a neuropsychological theory, 1st edn. Psychology Press. doi: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781410612403 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781410612403

Drageset J, Haugan G, Tranvåg O. Crucial aspects promoting meaning and purpose in life: Perceptions of nursing home residents. BMC Geriatr. 2017;17(1):1–9. doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-017-0650-x DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-017-0650-x

Harouni MD, Tabrizi KN, Fallahi-Khoshknab M, Fadayevatan R, Maddah SS. Older people's perceptions of intergenerational relationships in nursing homes: A qualitative content analysis. J Family Med Prim Care. 2022;11(8):4395–403. doi: https://doi.org/10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_273_22 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_273_22

Shpakou A, Klimatckaia L, Furiaeva T, Piatrou S, Zaitseva O. Ageism and loneliness in the subjective perceptions of elderly people from nursing homes and households. Fam Med Prim Care Rev. 2021;23(4):475–80. doi: https://doi.org/10.5114/fmpcr.2021.110366 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5114/fmpcr.2021.110366

Van der Elst E, Dierckx de Casterlé B, Gastmans C. Elderly patients' and residents' perceptions of 'the good nurse': A literature review. J Med Ethics. 2012;38(2):93–7. doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/medethics-2011-100046 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/medethics-2011-100046

Bradshaw SA, Playford ED, Riazi A. Living well in care homes: A systematic review of qualitative studies. Age Ageing. 2012;41(4):429–40. doi: https://doi.org/10.1093/ageing/afs069 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/ageing/afs069

Kwong EW, Lai CK, Liu F. Quality of life in nursing home settings: Perspectives from elderly residents with frailty. Clin Nurs Stud. 2014;2(1):100–10. doi: https://doi.org/10.5430/cns.v2n1p100 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5430/cns.v2n1p100

Lee TW, Cho E, Yim ES, Lee HS, Ko YK, Kim BN, et al. Activities of daily living in nursing home and home care settings: A retrospective 1-year cohort study. J Am Med Dir Assoc. 2015;16(2):114–9. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamda.2014.07.013 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamda.2014.07.013

Schenk L, Meyer R, Behr A, Kuhlmey A, Holzhausen M. Quality of life in nursing homes: Results of a qualitative resident survey. Qual Life Res. 2013;22(10):2929–38. doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136‐013‐0400‐2 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-013-0400-2

Evangelista RA, Bueno AA, Castro PA, Nascimento JN, Araújo NT, Aires GP. Perceptions and experiences of elderly residents in a nursing home. Rev Esc Enferm USP. 2014;48(2):81–6. doi: https://doi.org/10.1590/S0080-623420140000800013 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1590/S0080-623420140000800013

Mafluha Y, Indrayani I, Djami M, Pusmaika R, Nurzannah S, Novfrida Y, et al. The quality of life for the elderly: Meeting their needs in a nursing home. J South India Medicolegal Assoc. 2020;12(2):60–9.

Buzgova R, Ivanova K. Violation of ethical principles in institutional care for older people. Nurs Ethics. 2011;18(1):64–78. doi: https://doi.org/10.1177/0969733010385529 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0969733010385529

Kosovo Agency of Statistics. Kosovo population projection [Internet]. 2018 [cited 2024 Nov 19]. Available from: https://www.ceicdata.com/en/kosovo/population-projection-kosovo-agency-of-statistics

AGE Platform Europe. Study on the long-term care systems in the Western Balkans [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2024 Nov 19]. Available from: https://www.age-platform.eu/study-on-the-long-term-care-systems-in-the-western-balkans/

Demir F. Kosovo Albanian refugees, 1999 [image on the Internet]. Balkan Insight. Available from: https://balkaninsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/kosovo-albanian-refugees-1999-photo-by-fehim-demir-epa.jpg

Lund R, Nielsen LS, Henriksen PW, Schmidt L, Avlund K, Christensen U. Content validity and reliability of the Copenhagen social relations questionnaire. J Aging Health. 2014;26(1):128–50. doi: https://doi.org/10.1177/0898264313510033 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0898264313510033

Murphy K, Cooney A, Casey D. Improving the quality of life for older people in long-term care settings. J Comp Eff Res. 2014;3(3):301–15. doi: https://doi.org/10.2217/cer.14.20 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2217/cer.14.20

Nakrem S, Vinsnes AG, Harkless GE, Paulsen B, Seim A. Ambiguities: Residents’ experience of “nursing home as my home.” Int J Older People Nurs. 2013;8(3):216–25. doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1748‐3743.2012.00320.x DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1748-3743.2012.00320.x

Roberts T, Bowers B. How nursing home residents develop relationships with peers and staff: A grounded theory study. Int J Nurs Stud. 2015;52(1):57–67. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2014.07.008 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2014.07.008

Firm LC. Socialization improves well-being of elderly in long-term care [Internet]. 2019 [cited 2024 Nov 19]. Available from: https://clawfirmpc.com/socialization-improves-well-being-of-elderly-in-long-term-care-setting/

Ymerhalili G, Bytyci A, Maxhera O, Stein V, Dorner T. Integrated care for older people in Kosovo. Int J Integr Care. 2019;19(51):1–8. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5334/ijic.s3226

Quehenberger V, Cichocki M, Krajic K. Sustainable effects of a low-threshold physical activity intervention on health-related quality of life in residential aged care. J Clin Interv Aging. 2014;9:1853–64. doi: https://doi.org/10.2147/CIA.S70359 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2147/CIA.S70359

Elderly Care in Transition: Experiences of Elderly Individuals in Three Nursing Homes in Kosovo

Authors

DOI:

Keywords:

Abstract

References

Downloads

Published

Issue

Section

License

Make a Submission

Language

Information