Abstract:
This study explores the nature of the relationships of elderly people in residential care with
each other, with staff members, and with families and friends. Relationships are
considered according to personal, social, and organisational dimensions. The life course
perspective provides a framework for illuminating these dimensions. The research design
uses participant observation, life histories and semi-structured interviews within an
interpretive methodological approach. Three local authority residential homes, selected for
contrasting size and design, provided the focus for the research.
The topic of relationships was chosen to enable the development of good practice in social
care through improved strategies for training and education. Relationships provide a key to
understanding residents' experiences within the context of professional values and regimes
of care. Cognitive mapping and eco-systems analysis are used to interpret the data. The
findings suggest that residents' identities, formed throughout their life courses, provide the
basis for forming initial social relationships within the homes. Residents later adopt social
roles as part of their social relationships with each other. Many (but not all) residents have
moved to a Post-Attachment phase of relationships, in which social relationships are more
important than new close personal relationships. The recommendations suggest ways of
individualising care (and promoting relationships) through the development of integrated
care practice.