Service providers' perceptions of working in residential aged care: a qualitative cross-sectional analysis

Abstract

A number of professional disciplines employed internally and externally provide services in Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs). Literature has long highlighted numerous workplace issues in RACFs, yet little progress has been made in addressing these. As such there has been a call for greater understanding of shared issues among service providers. The aim of the current study is to explore and compare the perceptions of a cross-section of service providers regarding the challenges and motivators to working in RACFs. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 61 participants including: care managers, nurses, assistants in nursing, care, domestic and support staff, and speech pathologists. Analysis revealed few issues unique to any one service discipline, with four key themes identified: (a) working in RACFs is both personally rewarding and personally challenging; (b) relationships and philosophies of care directly impact service provision, staff morale and resident quality of life; (c) a perceived lack of service-specific education and professional support impacts service provision; and (d) service provision in RACFs should be seen as a specialist area. These data confirm there are key personal and professional issues common across providers. Providers must work collaboratively to address these issues and advocate for greater recognition of RACFs as a specialist service area. Acknowledging, accepting and communicating shared perceptions will reduce ongoing issues and enhance multi-disciplinary care.

Exploratory investigation of communication management in residential‐aged care: a comparison of staff knowledge, documentation and observed resident–staff communication

“…Resident–staff communication is integral to resident psychosocial well‐being and quality of life (Bennett et al . , Cruice et al . , Lubinski and Welland , Nakrem et al .…”

“…When effective resident–staff communication is compromised by resident communication difficulty, facility staff have described an associated negative impact on their ability to complete care tasks and to provide quality care (Bennett et al . , Bryan et al . , McGilton et al .…”

“…Past studies have shown that resident–staff communication and the quality of relationship development between residents and staff has a key influence on both resident quality of life (Bennett et al . , Nakrem et al . ) and staff satisfaction in the workplace (Bennett et al .…”

Aged care nurses’ job control influence satisfaction and mental health

“…service provider perceptions, mental health; Rodwell & Martin ; Bennett et al . ). Human resource strategies that have been evaluated in research set in nursing homes often report poor effects.…”

“…In addition, the quality of relationships with staff including supervisors was found to have implications for service provision such as staff taking sick leave to avoid negative effects of role clarity (Bennett et al . ). In addition, a poor relationship with a supervisor was found to be a key factor for intention to leave the workplace (Nakanishi & Imai ).…”