A STUDY COMPARING THE QUALITY OF LIFE AND RELATED PSYCHOLOGICAL SYMPTOMS OF THE ELDERLY LIVING IN NURSING HOMES, WITH THE ONES LIVING WITH THEIR FAMILIES

Introduction: In this study, the quality of the elderly people's life in nursing homes and the ones living with their families was examined using the Leipad Life Quality Scale. Effects of psychological symptoms on the life quality of the elderly living in nursing homes and the ones living with their families were examined using the Short Symptom Inventory (SSI). Materials and Method: The study sample is composed of 90 elderly people living in institution settings and 124 elderly people in their homes, a total of 214 participants. The essential care has been given to the elderly people in research group whether they are suitable to the measurement tools. Results: It was found that depression and anxiety were clear in the elderly people and it affected the life satisfaction of the both. Conclusion: Specialists working on elderly health issues have the responsibility in education of the individuals in the community, and providing social support mechanism on elderly psychology.