title: Staff-family relationships in residential aged care facilities: the views of residents' family members and care staff.
abstract: The aim of the study was to examine staff and family members' perceptions of each other's roles and responsibilities in the Australian residential aged care setting. Data was collected by interview and focus group from 27 staff and 14 family members at five residential aged care facilities in the state of Victoria, Australia. Findings highlight "communication" as the core category supporting the formation of constructive staff-family relationships, as described by three main themes; "building trust," "involvement," and "keeping the family happy." Staff attitudes, mutual cooperation, meaningful engagement, and shared expectations lay the foundation for relationships. Findings suggest that further efforts to establish and sustain good relationships with families are required by facilities. Characteristics, roles, and expectations of staff and family that can both promote and hinder the formation of constructive staff-family relationships are discussed.
authors.affiliation: La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia m.bauer@latrobe.edu.au.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bauer
authors.affiliation: La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Deirdre
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Fetherstonhaugh
authors.affiliation: La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Tarzia
authors.affiliation: La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Carol
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Chenco
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005192:Family Health; D005195:Family Relations; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009735:Nursing Homes; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012938:Social Perception; D014739:Victoria
keywords: aged care; relationships; staff-family