Changes over Time in Racial/Ethnic Differences in Quality of Life for Nursing Home Residents: Patterns within and between Facilities

J Aging Health. 2020 Dec;32(10):1498-1509. doi: 10.1177/0898264320939006. Epub 2020 Jul 10.

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate trends in racial/ethnic differences in nursing home (NH) residents' quality of life (QoL) and assess these patterns within and between facilities. Method: Data include resident-reported QoL surveys (n = 60,093), the Minimum Data Set, and facility-level characteristics (n = 376 facilities) for Minnesota. Hierarchical linear models were estimated to identify differences in QoL by resident race/ethnicity and facility racial/ethnic minority composition for 2011-2015. Results: White residents in low-proportion racial/ethnic minority facilities reported higher QoL than both minority and white residents in high-proportion minority facilities. While the year-to-year differences were not statistically significant, the point estimates for white-minority disparity widened over time. Discussion: Racial/ethnic differences in QoL are persistent and may be widening over time. The QoL disparity reported by minority residents and all residents in high-proportion minority facilities underscores the importance of examining NH structural characteristics and practices to ultimately achieve the goal of optimal, person-centered care in NHs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Ethnicity / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Minnesota
  • Minority Groups / statistics & numerical data
  • Nursing Homes / statistics & numerical data*
  • Quality of Life*
  • Racial Groups / statistics & numerical data*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • White People / statistics & numerical data