[Factors influencing morale among the elderly in long-term care]

The purpose of this research was to investigate the factors which influence morale among the elderly in long-term care. The sampling criteria for subjects were that they were (1) 65 years old or older and were residents or care recipients at a nursing home, day care or home care center which participated in the experimental project in Department of Health; (2) able to understand the Mandarin or Taiwanese language; (3) capable of verbal communication; and (4) family caregivers whose elder family met the above three requirements. A total sample of 174 subjects consisting of 87 elderly and 87 caregivers were chosen. Research findings revealed: the mean score for morale for elderly in this study was 11.71 out of range 2-19. Except for birthplace and caring models, there was no significant difference among the elderly. The elderly born in Taiwan had significantly higher morale than those born in Mainland China. The elderly in day care had significantly higher morale than those in home care and nursing homes. No significant difference was found among family caregivers, except for family caregivers who had changed their job due to the demands of caring for elderly relations. Elderly in this situation showed significantly lower morale in the elderly whose family caregivers did not change jobs. Correlation analysis showed a positive relationship between the elderly's level of daily activity and their morale level. Higher morale in the elderly was also found to be positively related to perceived higher levels of social support in family caregivers. In multiple regression, morale among the elderly was used as the criterion variable, while the variables of birth place, functional status, caregivers' perceived social support, home care, nursing home, changed job, never having had a job, caregivers' sex caregivers' educational level were used as predictors. The explanation variance achieved using the above research model was 30.78%. Recommendations derived from this study include suggesting the establishment of community adult day care centers to facilitate the elderly being able to stay within their communities, and to provide mental support for caregivers.