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Influences on Positive Family Involvement in Aged Care: An ethnographic view
Ruth Marquis
Associate Professor, Division of Health Sciences, Curtin University of Technology, Perth WA
Heather Freegard
School of Occupational Therapy, Curtin University of Technology, Perth WA
Litza Hoogland
School of Occupational Therapy, Curtin University of Technology, Perth WA
Abstract
This paper examines the experiences of family members who have previously been primary carers of residents of residential aged care services to identify factors, which have encouraged them to remain involved in a caring role.
The context for this study was a residential aged care facility in Western Australia that was selected on the basis of its reputation of being highly sought after by relatives requiring formal care for older family members and also having a high level of ongoing involvement of relatives.
Findings from the study provide evidence of the importance of staff developing relationships with relatives, supporting relatives through the change process and developing care partnerships where relatives could define new caring roles in providing social and emotional support for residents. This study is part of a larger study investigating relational quality in aged care environment.
Keywords
aged care, family involvement, staff interaction, quality of life, positive communication
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