Good care in group home living for people with dementia. Experiences of residents, family and nursing staff

Ezra van Zadelhoff*, Hilde Verbeek, Guy Widdershoven, Erik van Rossum, Tineke A Abma

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Aims and objectives: To investigate experiences of residents, their family caregivers and nursing staff in group living homes for older people with dementia and their perception of the care process. Background: Traditional nursing homes for people with dementia have several shortcomings related to depersonalisation, passivity, loss of skills and use of physical restraints. Group living homes are seen as an alternative to regular nursing homes, but experiences with this new care setting have rarely been investigated. Design: The study followed a naturalistic design. Qualitative data were collected over a period of 6 months in two group living homes located in the southern part of the Netherlands. Methods: Systematic participatory observations were carried out during daily life, care and activities in both homes. In addition, semi-structured interviews were held with residents, their family and nursing staff. These data were inductively analysed and related to Tronto's care ethical framework. Results: According to all parties, group living homes create structural opportunities for individualised care and attention to the residents' personal needs. The increased attentiveness and responsiveness for residents' well-being was seen as a sign of good care and fits with the phases of caring about and receiving care of Tronto's care ethical model. However, tensions occurred relating to the phases of taking responsibility and carrying out care. Not all residents and family members want or are able to take responsibility and perform self-care. Conclusions: Group living homes create conditions for good care and stimulate attentiveness and responsiveness. Tensions in these homes may relate to the new division of responsibilities and tasks. Relevance to clinical practice: Values of attention to needs and responsiveness are of high importance for nursing staff to provide good care for people with dementia in a nursing home setting.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2490-2500
JournalJournal of Clinical Nursing
Volume20
Issue number17-18
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2011

Keywords

  • care ethics
  • dementia
  • group living
  • nursing home
  • quality of care
  • qualitative research

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