Quality in residential care: exploring residents ’, family members', managers' and staff perspectives

Quality in Ageing and Older Adults,Volume 17, Issue 4, December 2016. Purpose The aim of this research was to explore the indicators of quality in care for people working and living in aged residential care settings. Design/methodology/approach This research was conducted using an ethnographic design in two distinct aged residential care facilities in a New Zealand city, a large facility with residential, dementia and hospital level care, and a small family owned facility providing residential care only. Fifty hours of observational data were collected, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 people, including managers, careworkers, nurses, family members and residents. These data were thematically analysed using the constant comparative method. Findings The main indicators of quality for staff, family and residents included: a home-like, friendly and safe environment; good medical and personal care; respect for the residents; and good staff. Participants also acknowledged the need for adjustments by residents to living in aged care; and the challenges of caring for increasingly frail residents. Originality/value Findings support the growing recognition of a need for resident-centred approaches to aged residential care that are reflected in government policy and regulatory apparatus. Managers in aged residential care facilities must balance adherence with health and safety standards, and providing an environment where their residents can enjoy a meaningful l...

Source: Quality in Ageing and Older Adults - October 20, 2016 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research