The Quality of Daily Life Among Elderly Care Receivers

Abstract

A time-budget interview of caregivers regarding 116 highly impaired elder relatives living in their homes revealed a relatively low level of variety in activities, social context, and environment context. A large proportion of the elders' time was spent in passive activities such as rest (34%), viewing television and listening to radio (21 %), and receiving assistancefrom a caregiver (17%). Family and professionals could potentially enhance quality of life through better use of television, diversionary activities, social stimulation, and environmental variety. In-home workers and family caregivers could be trained to provide such enriching services.