Oregon Long-Term Care Study Finds Residents Value Relationships & Autonomy But Report Limited Control Across Facility Settings

When asked about aspects of their life in residential long-term care facilities in Oregon, residents said that they most value relationships and having choices regarding their own lives.

Specifically:

Residents across all settings reported that they often feel that they have little control over their own lives and decisions

While choices are sometimes available, rigid facility schedules for bathing, meals, or activities frequently limit residents’ sense of autonomy

Residents want staff to see and treat them as individuals rather than simply as residents, and want to feel genuinely included in the community where they live

Interview responses from 645 . . .