Close relationships between older adults and their health care professionals in community settings can enhance well-being and support positive health in older age. In rural areas health care workers may know their patients socially as well as professionally and roles are mediated. This paper reports findings from 16 qualitative interviews with older adults and health and social care professionals in rural areas of Wales. The study found that the sharing of non-clinical information in rural home care situations is both likely and desirable; supporting the sense of social connectedness experienced by the older adult, contributing towards the development of the nurse/carer -client relationship and improving older adult well-being. However, it is recognised that there is potential for boundaries to become blurred and in some situations nurses and carers may need support to negotiate the divide between appropriate and inappropriate disclosure while maintaining a close relationship with the older adult. KEY WORDSProfessional boundaries; nurse/carer -older adult relationships; rural KEY POINTS Social connectedness is important for the well-being of older adults. Older adults value the social connectedness provided by their nurses' and carers' visits. Social connectedness is enhanced through longer-term caring relationships.2 Nurses and carers may face challenges around maintaining appropriate professional boundaries, especially in rural areas. Some sharing of personal and social information by the nurse or carer contributes towards the development of the nurse/carer -older adult relationship and improves older adult wellbeing.
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