Quality of Life of the Elderly People in Social Protection Institutions in the Tuzla Canton

Abstract

The study of the experiences of older adults in social care institutions in the Tuzla Canton aimed to examine satisfaction with the quality of life through a number of key indicators. Special attention was paid to the frequency of visits by children, grandchildren and other relatives, social interactions and relationships among users, perceptions of the relationship between employees and users, financial and material circumstances, availability of health care, opportunities for spending free time, and general life satisfaction. Empirical data were collected in public and private residential care institutions for older adults in the Tuzla Canton, in accordance with the ethical principles of scientific research. A quantitative-qualitative methodology was applied to systematically collect data relevant to assessing quality of life in an institutional setting from the perspective of service users, through the use of a specially designed questionnaire. Data analysis included descriptive and inferential statistical methods in order to gain deeper insights into the experiences and perceptions of older adults. The results indicate that, although certain aspects of care and service provision were evaluated positively, notable challenges remain concerning accommodation conditions, hygiene standards, nutritional quality, and the users’ sense of safety and security. Social relationships are generally rated positively, particularly those with fellow residents, while expectations towards staff members tend to be higher. Half of the respondents report receiving visits from their closest family members, such as children and grandchildren. Despite certain challenges, the majority of respondents express a moderately positive overall perception of their quality of life.