169983 20260316092629.0 doi 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1698646 sideral 148590 ART-2026-148590 eng Gil-Lacruz, Marta Universidad de Zaragoza (orcid)0000-0001-8261-058X Older adults’ perspectives on their residential care homes: a case study 2026 Introduction: Increasing life expectancy highlights the critical need for highquality older adults care services. This study examined the satisfaction of residents aged 65 and older in a rural care home in Aragón, Spain, focusing on living spaces, personal relationships, and available services. The insights gathered aim to inform future improvements in service provision and policy. Methods: A case study approach was employed at a private care home in Sabiñánigo, Spain. Forty residents with functional autonomy were included; individuals with severe cognitive or mobility impairments were excluded. Data were collected via direct interviews using a validated, culturally adapted standardized questionnaire. The instrument assessed satisfaction with services (medical, dining, laundry), facilities (shared areas, rooms), participation, and interpersonal relationships. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and linear regression analysis were used to identify key determinants of overall satisfaction. Results: The sample predominantly consisted of women over 80 years old, mostly widowed or single, with preserved self-care capabilities. Most residents shared bedrooms and reported positive perceptions of this arrangement. While dining and healthcare services received high satisfaction ratings, storage space and cafeteria vending machine restrictions were negatively perceived. Furthermore, a significant proportion of residents reported a lack of participation in management suggestions. Inferential analysis revealed that food quality, functional status, and educational level significantly influenced overall satisfaction. Specifically, more educated and autonomous residents tended to rate the care home less favorably. Discussion: Residents generally reported high satisfaction with personal care and their residential lifestyle, particularly regarding dining and healthcare services. However, areas such as facility maintenance, storage, and opportunities for participation in management require improvement. The findings highlight the critical role of functional status and educational background in shaping satisfaction, suggesting that perceived quality of life is closely linked to personal autonomy and social engagement within the care home environment. Access copy available to the general public Unrestricted info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/DGA/S16-23R info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess by https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.es info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Leché-Martín, Eduardo Alberto Universidad de Zaragoza (orcid)0000-0001-5057-6006 Henning, Marcus Alexander Gil-Lacruz, Ana Isabel Universidad de Zaragoza (orcid)0000-0002-7994-923X 4012 650 Universidad de Zaragoza Dpto. Direcc.Organiza.Empresas Área Organización de Empresas 4009 740 Universidad de Zaragoza Dpto. Psicología y Sociología Área Psicología Social 4009 813 Universidad de Zaragoza Dpto. Psicología y Sociología Área Trabajo Social y Serv.Soc 14 (2026) Front. public health. Frontiers in public health 2296-2565 291051 http://zaguan.unizar.es/record/169983/files/texto_completo.pdf Versión publicada 2111190 http://zaguan.unizar.es/record/169983/files/texto_completo.jpg?subformat=icon icon Versión publicada oai:zaguan.unizar.es:169983 articulos driver 2026-03-16-08:16:14 ARTICLE