Northampton Electronic Collection of Theses and Research

From familiar faces to family: staff and resident relationships in long-term care

Canham, S. L., Battersby, L., Fang, M. L., Sixsmith, J., Woolrych, R. and Sixsmith, A. (2017) From familiar faces to family: staff and resident relationships in long-term care. Journal of Aging and Health. 29(5), pp. 842-857. 0898-2643.

Item Type: Article
Abstract: Objective: Long-term care (LTC) facilities are increasingly intent on creating a “homelike” atmosphere for residents. Although residential staff are integral to the construction of a home within LTC settings, their perceptions have been relatively absent from the literature. Method: Thirty-two LTC staff participants were interviewed about their experiences and perceptions of the physical environment and conceptualizations of home, and thematic analyses were conducted. Results: An overarching category—interpersonal relationships—emerged from our analyses emphasizing the importance of relationships in creating a homelike environment within institutional settings. Sub-themes that inform our understanding include the following: (a) Staff members’ perceptions of home; (b) “Their second home”: Adjustment to and familiarity in LTC; and (c) “We become family”: Relationality makes a home. Discussion: The study provides evidence to inform current policies and practices in LTC. Specifically, enough time and space should be given.
Uncontrolled Keywords: Caregiving, interpersonal relationships, nursing homes, gerontology
Subjects: H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare. Criminology > HV1450 Aged
H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Women > HQ1060 Aged. Gerontology (Social aspects). Retirement
Creators: Canham, Sarah L, Battersby, Lupin, Fang, Mei Lan, Sixsmith, Judith, Woolrych, Ryan and Sixsmith, Andrew
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Northamptonshire and East Midlands: Health
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes: University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Research Centre > Institute of Health and Wellbeing > Ageing Research Centre
Research Centres > Centre for Health Sciences and Services
Research Centres > Centre for Physical Activity and Life Sciences
Date: 1 August 2017
Date Type: Publication
Page Range: pp. 842-857
Journal or Publication Title: Journal of Aging and Health
Volume: 29
Number: 5
Language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0898264316645550
ISSN: 0898-2643
Status: Published / Disseminated
URI: http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/id/eprint/8578

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