Resident Service Coordinators: Roles and Challenges in Senior Housing

Abstract

This study aims to explore the challenges that Resident Service Coordinators (RSCs) encounter in senior housing and the meanings they attach to their role. Using a mixed methods approach, surveys and interviews were conducted with RSCs working in age-segregated housing in Connecticut. Survey responses indicate that, despite certain similarities, no single profile characterizes the scope of the role. Analysis of the interview data reveals 5 themes: interpersonal conflicts, mental health problems, inadequate resources, unclear policies regarding residents' rights, and inconsistencies in role definition. These results underscore the need for increased training for RSCs, and additional research is needed to understand the role and identify best practice models.

Personalization of Helping Relationships: Resident Service Coordinators' Work with Elderly Residents

“…While a previous analysis of the data revealed a number of themes describing the RSC role and the challenges they face (Sheehan & Guzzardo, 2008), the current analysis discusses the nature of RSCs' relationships with residents. The overall theme is RSCs' perceptions of the critical role that they play in residents' support networks {n = 19, 73%).…”

“…Several RSCs noted using their close ties with residents to justify their actions disregarding residents' decisions or coaxing residents into changing their mind (Sheehan & Guzzardo, 2008). In such situations, residents may feel uncomfortable or uneasy if they refuse the assistance of the RSC.…”

“…RSCs should be supervised on a regular basis by individuals familiar with their role and what it entails. In our prior research (Sheehan & Guzzardo, 2008), RSCs' complaints about the lack of adequate supervision were related to more severe problems related to eiders without family and resident conflicts. Given that most RSCs work alone with little or no appropriate supervision, while at the same time they must address complex, emotionally charged issues involving extremely frail, vulnerable elders, many RSCs could benefit from regular supervision from a knowledgeable social-service professional familiar with interpersonal, family, aging, and mental health issues.…”

“…For the present study, a subsample (n = 26) was drawn from a larger sample (n = 63) of RSCs in the state of Connecticut (Sheehan & Guzzardo, 2008). A purposive sampling technique was used so that respondents participating in the interviews represented a range of housing types, employment situations, and responsibilities.…”

Differential Aging in Place and Depressive Symptoms: Interplay Among Time, Income, and Senior Housing

“…Focusing on vulnerable older people (limited income and limited mobility) aged 75 and older in age-segregated housing, Davidson, Brooke, and Kendig (2001) concluded that senior-housing residents had more friendship interaction than counterparts in age-integrated private housing, leading to higher self-esteem and life quality. Studies of subsidized housing programs that link housing and services for low-income elders found reduced anxiety and depression and improved personal control and psychological well-being (Levine & Johns 2008; Sheehan & Guzzardo 2008) and a greater sense of safety and security (Mollica & Morris, 2005). Rare empirical studies have compared aging in place among low-income elders in senior-living environments and conventional homes.…”