Relationships of elderly people in residential care

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.