Comparison of Self-concept and Quality of Life between Residential and Non-residential Elderlies of Nursing Homes in Tehran

Self-concept is an important variable in the field of elderly, to which little attention has been paid. Also, quality of life is one of the most important factors of human development. The aim of this study was to determine and compare self-concept and quality of life between residential and non-residential elderlies of nursing homes in Tehran, Iran, in 2015.
This study was descriptive-analytical study. The population of this study consisted of all non-residential and residential elderly people (n = 434) living in nursing homes of Tehran. The participants were allocated into two equal groups (n = 217) of residential and non-residential elderlies using the accidental sampling method. Data were collected using the Rogers self-concept scale, elderly quality of life questionnaire (LIPAD), and demographic questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency, mean, standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Chi-square test, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and independent t-test) by the SPSS 18 software.
Results showed that the mean values of self-concept for residential and non-residential elderlies were 8.25 ± 1.47 and 8.14 ± 1.63, respectively, which was not significantly different between the two groups. Also, the mean values of quality of life for residential and non-residential elderlies were 27.88 ± 9.80 and 31.81 ± 10.79, respectively, which was significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.000). The results showed that there was a significant relationship between self-concept and quality of life in residential elderly people (P = 0.001) and non-residential elderly people (P = 0.014).
According to the results of the present study, encouraging the elderlie's families to not send them to the nursing homes, improving and increasing the environmental facilities of the nursing homes, making the environment of these homes similar to their family homes, encouraging the elderlie's family or friends to regularly visit them, increasing the rehabilitation services and empowering the elderly can be helpful to improve the elderlie's quality of life.