Evaluating the quality of life of people with dementia in residential care facilities.

AIMS Our purpose was to compare recipient and caregiver perception of the quality of life (QoL) of people with dementia in residential care facilities and to identify the factors associated with their perception of QoL. METHODS Residents' QoL was evaluated by both the patient and the caregiver, using the Quality of Life in Alzheimer's Disease and several other indices. RESULTS The correlation between the self-rated QoL score and the staff-rated QoL score was low. CONCLUSIONS The staff tended to underestimate QoL. The main determinants of QoL were the functional status and depression. Improving physical function and mood may be beneficial in providing a better QoL.