Health promotion in nursing homes

Background. So far target groups with already (permanently) impaired health, including the elderly, have not yet been sufficiently addressed by health promotion efforts in Germany. Moreover, later phases of life as a main focus of health promotion have been neglected by previous concepts. Studies show that there is potential to promote health of the elderly in need of care and that it is possible to reduce the need for assistance and increase the quality of life through focused interventions. Objective. The aim is to initiate a systematic process of analysis and development in five German nursing homes to implement health promotion interventions based on the needs of the residents. This article focuses on the employees' perspective. Materials and methods. An exploratory design and qualitative methods were used. In total, 35 employees participated in five focus groups. Results. Two topics of relevance were chosen by the employees: autonomy and mental and social health. Their current consideration within the nursing homes is outlined and respective missing aspects are specified. Discussion. Employees in nursing homes have wide-ranging ideas regarding interventions of prevention and health promotion for residents. A participatory process promotes awareness and rethinking the orientation on deficits towards an orientation on resources. Limiting general conditions, especially personnel and space issues, impede health-promoting measures in nursing homes.