The purpose of this study was to describe the views of patients´ relatives regarding the quality of care in a service home in Oulu area.

The goal was to examine the view of patients´ relatives regarding the quality of care.

We used a quantitative research method. The sample consisted of the relatives of the aged people living in a service home. Data collection was conducted by a questionnaire, which we planned on the basis on the theoretical consideration related to the subject. The enquiry was sent to one or more closest relatives of the service home inhabitants.

The results indicated that the informants were mostly satisfied with the quality of care. The relatives thought that they had good possibilities to contribute to the planning of the individual care of the close person. Nursing environment was regarded as relaxed and comfortable but relatives hoped to have more nursing staff to work in the nursing home. Basic needs were taken care of very well of according to the relatives, but they wished that stimulating activities such as outdoor activities could be arranged more often.

The results of this thesis can be utilized in the development and planning of the care in the service home. Keywords: