This unique evaluation of the outcomes of residential and nursing home care for older people identifies the factors determining the quality of life of older people who have moved into care homes. It examines the relationship between older people's psychological well-being and the kinds of care received in residential homes. The volume draws on a study of UK care homes, interviewing new entrants soon after admission and then on two further occasions, to ascertain their experience of care and their quality of life. Interviews were also undertaken with care staff and their managers, and the care environment of each home was assessed. The authors provide valuable evidence of the factors which can influence older people's well-being on entering a care home and how they adjust either positively or not to their new surroundings. The volume offers clear pointers towards ways to improve quality of residential and nursing home care.

Contents: Quality in care homes for older people; Quality of life in residential and nursing home care; The study design and its methods; The homes, the residents and their daily lives; Residents' health and quality of life; The experience of care staff; The culture of the care environment: the sheltered care environment scale; The views of relatives; Cognitive impairment and interviewability; Recognition and assessment of depression; The outcomes of care; Towards quality care in care homes; Appendix 1: observation study method; Appendix 2: casemix data collection sheet; Appendix 3: consent procedures; Appendix 4: variables used in the longitudinal analysis; Appendix 5: abbreviations; References and bibliography; Name index; Subject index.