Abstract
BackgroundFew studies have empirically investigated factors that define residential aged care units that are perceived as being highly person-centred. The purpose of this study was to explore factors characterising residential aged care units perceived as being highly person-centred, with a focus on organisational and environmental variables, as well as residents’ and staff’ characteristics.MethodsA cross-sectional design was used. Residents (n = 1460) and staff (n = 1213) data from 151 residential care units were collected, as well as data relating to characteristics of the organisation and environment, and data measuring degree of person-centred care. Participating staff provided self-reported data and conducted proxy ratings on residents. Descriptive and comparative statistics, independent samples t-test, Chi2 test, Eta Squared and Phi coefficient were used to analyse data.ResultsHighly person-centred residential aged care units were characterized by having a shared philosophy of care, a satisfactory leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration and social support from colleagues and leaders, a dementia-friendly physical environment, staff having time to spend with residents, and a smaller unit size. Residential aged care units with higher levels of person-centred care had a higher proportion of staff with continuing education in dementia care, and a higher proportion of staff receiving regular supervision, compared to units with lower levels of person-centred care.ConclusionsIt is important to target organisational and environmental factors, such as a shared philosophy of care, staff use of time, the physical environment, interdisciplinary support, and support from leaders and colleagues, to improve person-centred care in residential care units. Managers and leaders seeking to facilitate person-centred care in daily practice need to consider their own role in supporting, encouraging, and supervising staff.
Highlights
Few studies have empirically investigated factors that define residential aged care units that are perceived as being highly person-centred
The variables interdisciplinary collaboration (p < 0.001, ŋ = 0.041), satisfactory leadership (p < 0.001, ŋ = 0.107), a dementia-friendly physical environment, (p < 0.001, ŋ = 0.045), time to spend with residents
The results indicate that highly person-centred residential aged care units were characterized by a number of organisational and environmental facilitating factors, i.e. a shared philosophy of care, time to spend with residents, social support from colleagues and leaders, a dementia-friendly physical environment, interdisciplinary collaboration, regular supervision of staff, and a smaller unit size, one staff characteristic; continuing education in dementia care and no particular resident characteristics
Summary
Few studies have empirically investigated factors that define residential aged care units that are perceived as being highly person-centred. The purpose of this study was to explore factors characterising residential aged care units perceived as being highly person-centred, with a focus on organisational and environmental variables, as well as residents’ and staff’ characteristics. With older age the prevalence of disabilities and chronic diseases, such as dementia increases and the need for care [1]. This imposes challenges for policy-makers, managers and nursing staff, how to provide care that promotes experiences of well-being, satisfaction, and a meaningful life, in addition to providing merely the symptom control and safe containment of old people and people with dementia. There is a need for improvement, and person-centred care is increasingly advocated as a model of care that supports holistic well-being for older people and people with dementia in residential aged care [10,11,12]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
