Building a cohesive partnership: Perspectives of staff caregivers on improving self-care independence among older adults living in long-term care facilities

Abstract

This study was to understand how to establish a cohesive partnership aimed at improving self-care independence among older adults living in long-term care facilities. This was a qualitative research design. Results found that to build a partnership, staffs indicated three major elements are essential: (1) prior discussion, (2) building trust, and (3) reporting conditions of residents voluntarily. However, this study observed that family caregivers’ attitudes and health or characteristics of older adults were of influence frequently affected older adults to regain/maintain self-care independence. To decrease the negative impact, the staffs should have attitudes of compassion, empathy, and caring.