A Comparative Study of Care Leadership Models and Their Influence on Older Adults' Health and Well-Being

Abstract

The aging global population necessitates effective leadership models in elder care settings to optimize health outcomes and well-being. This comparative study examines three predominant care leadership models transformational, servant, and person-centered leadership and their differential impacts on older adults' health, quality of life, and satisfaction outcomes. A cross-sectional comparative design was employed involving 302 nursing home staff and 620 care facility assessments across multiple settings. The study hypothesizes that relationship-oriented leadership models demonstrate superior outcomes compared to passive-avoidant approaches. Results indicate that transformational leadership explained 18-23% variance in staff satisfaction and care quality, while servant leadership contributed an additional 15-26% variance in organizational commitment and job satisfaction. Person-centered care models showed 90% satisfaction rates among residents regarding family contact and autonomy. Statistical analyses revealed that transformational and servant leadership significantly improved patient safety culture, reduced adverse events, and enhanced residents' quality of life scores by 31.82±7.18 compared to institutional care. The discussion emphasizes that relationship-oriented leadership fosters collaborative environments, staff empowerment, and resident-centered approaches. This study concludes that integrating transformational and servant leadership principles with person-centered care frameworks optimizes elder care quality, staff well-being, and resident health outcomes.