A Sequential Analysis of Verbal and Nonverbal Interaction of Two Long-Term Care Residents

Abstract

This study examined interaction involving two older female residents and coresidents, care givers, and others at a Canadian long-term care institution. Twenty-four hour videotapes recorded each resident's behavior for 19 and 21 consecutive days, respectively. Interactions initiated by residents, their caregivers, and their roommates were coded from video segments occurring between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. Lag-sequential analyses revealed that nurses initiated most of the interactions, followed by the residents themselves. Verbal contacts initiated by coresidents and other visitors to the focus residents were scant. Contact is not random but occurs in predictable sequences. The authors conclude that the nursing staff assumes the responsibility for initiating a large proportion of verbal contact and for initiating caregiving. Implications of the failure of residents to request care are discussed.