Exploring nursing assistants’ experiences of empathy development through aging simulation in long-term care: A qualitative study

Background: Empathy training for nursing assistants (NAs) in long-term care (LTC) is often insufficient. Although aging simulation has shown promise in enhancing empathy, its effectiveness for NAs remains underexplored. Aim: This study explored NAs’ experiences with an aging simulation program and its effect on empathy toward older residents. Method: A descriptive qualitative design was used. Fifteen NAs from a veterans' home in Taiwan participated in two focus group interviews after the simulation. Data were analyzed using content analysis. Results: Four key themes emerged: recognizing unempathetic caregiving practices, experiencing aging and disability challenges, enhancing connection and communication, and transformative learning and growth. Conclusion: Aging simulation, integrating assistive devices, role-playing, and reflection, enhanced NAs’ empathy, fostering a shift in attitude and caregiving approach. Findings support simulation-based training to promote empathetic, person-centered care in LTC.