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The purpose of this paper is to explore potential differences in how nursing home residents rate care quality and to explore cluster characteristics.

A cross-sectional design was used, with one questionnaire including questions from quality from patients’ perspective and Big Five personality traits, together with questions related to socio-demographic aspects and health condition. Residents (n=103) from four Norwegian nursing homes participated (74.1 per cent response rate). Hierarchical cluster analysis identified clusters with respect to care quality perceptions. χ² tests and one-way between-groups ANOVA were performed to characterise the clusters (p<0.05).

Two clusters were identified; Cluster 1 residents (28.2 per cent) had the best care quality perceptions and Cluster 2 (67.0 per cent) had the worst perceptions. The clusters were statistically significant and characterised by personal-related conditions: gender, psychological well-being, preferences, admission, satisfaction with staying in the nursing home, emotional stability and agreeableness, and by external objective care conditions: healthcare personnel and registered nurses.

Residents assessed as having no cognitive impairments were included, thus excluding the largest group. By choosing questionnaire design and structured interviews, the number able to participate may increase.

Findings may provide healthcare personnel and managers with increased knowledge on which to develop strategies to improve specific care quality perceptions.

Cluster analysis can be an effective tool for differentiating between nursing homes residents’ care quality perceptions.