Knowing and being known: the qualities that make a long-term care facility a home
Date
2021
Authors
Douziech, Aimee
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Health Sciences
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Health Sciences
Abstract
There has been consistent pressure to transform long-term care (LTC) facilities into more homelike settings. The concept of home within institutionalized care-based living environments is not well understood. For this study, a supplementary analysis was conducted to address two questions: (1) What factors contribute to a sense of home for people living and working in rural LTC homes, and (2) What organizational structures enable or impede a rural LTC home’s ability to actualize the factors that help them feel homelike? Findings indicate that the physical environment should prioritize accessibility and personalization; the social environment should prioritize relationships and opportunities for connection; and psychological considerations should prioritize supporting choice, autonomy, and flexibility. Additionally, a sense of home in LTC is dependent upon leadership that empowers staff and enables a flexible and relational approach to care, which results in residents being truly ‘known’ by their care providers.
Description
Keywords
rural long-term care facilities , empowered staff , relational care approach , homelike settings , homelike environment , models of care , knowing the person , rural community , rural healthcare settings , Long-term care facilities -- Sociological aspects , Long-term care facilities -- Psychological aspects , Long-term care facilities -- Design and construction , Long-term care facilities -- Planning , Rural elderly -- Long-term care , Older people -- Long-term care , Place (Philosophy) , Quality of life , Home -- Philosophy , Rural health , Dissertations, Academic