A home away from home: The meaning of home according to families of residents with dementia

Abstract

This study sought to understand the ways in which family caregivers to institutionalized relatives with dementia perceived and experienced the relocation of their relative to a more home-like setting of care. Twenty-nine family members were interviewed through focus groups and individual interviews following the closing of two traditional care facilities and the subsequent migration of all residents to dementia cottages. Questions focused on the assessment and evaluation of quality of care. Results of this qualitative study pointed to the centrality of relationships in creating a truly homelike environment, in addition to what constitutes effective relational practice from the family perspective. We argue that the creation of a meaningful home for persons with dementia must encompass a relational orientation, both philosophically and in practice, that is inclusive of resident, staff, and family.

‘Familiarity’ as a key factor influencing rural family carers’ experience of the nursing home placement of an older relative: a qualitative study

“…Perhaps because of this, these homes appeared to be perceived as extensions of the community, a sub-culture within a culture, described in the literature as small and active communities within a wider community context [28]. This is supported in a Canadian study which highlighted the centrality of relationships in creating a homelike environment for people with dementia [14]. …”

“…A Canadian study used interviews (n = 29) to explore the ways in which family caregivers of institutionalised relatives with dementia perceived the relocation of their relative to a more home-like setting of care [14]. Findings pointed to the centrality of relationships in creating a truly home-like environment.…”

‘It's the little things that count’. Families' experience of roles, relationships and quality of care in rural nursing homes

“…A number of studies have focused on role of families in care homes, and it is widely accepted that moving to a nursing home does not end family involvement or responsibility (Davies & Nolan, ; Bauer , Robinson et al ., ). Based on interviews with 48 people who had assisted a close relative to move into a nursing home, Davies and Nolan () described three discrete roles for family caregivers in care homes.…”

“…Various studies have recommended the need for change in the relationship between care home staff and relatives. These include clarifying the roles and responsibilities of groups (Brown‐Wilson, ; Lee, ), valuing and accessing carer knowledge and biographical expertise (Davies & Nolan, ; Robinson et al ., ) and helping carers to perceive the transition in a more positive light (Davies & Nolan, ; Ryan et al ., ). Weman et al .…”

“…This findings was supported by Robinson et al . () who interviewed family members ( n = 29) in order to understand the ways in which family caregivers of institutionalised relatives with dementia perceived the relocation of their relative to a more home‐like setting of care. Findings pointed to the centrality of relationships in creating a truly home‐like environment.…”