Preference importance ratings among African American and White nursing home residents

Cultural sensitivity regarding preferences is an important consideration for nursing homes to enhance person-centered care. In this study, Preferences for Everyday Living (PELI) interviews were conducted with African American (n=57) and white (n=193) residents to explore the association of race with importance ratings of self-dominion preferences (i.e., preferences for control). More similarities than differences were found between groups. However, African American residents had stronger preference ratings than white residents, underscoring the need for cultural sensitivity. It may be more important to offer opportunities for autonomous decision-making to African American than for white residents. NOTE: This paper received special recognition for “distinguished scientific merit” in Clinical Gerontologist (2023).