Staff perceptions of families in rural residential aged care

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the project was to identify staff opinions of families in rural residential aged care, in light of the negative perceptions reported in the literature, to determine any similar opinions which may be barriers to introducing increased person-centred care practices.Method: A convenience sample of staff from three rural aged care facilities voluntarily participated in a quantative survey by completing and returning a questionnaire on their opinion about working with families in aged care settings.Results: Forty six staff responded (46.9% return rate); with 85% of staff reporting that families should be encouraged to participate in the care of their relatives. However, the findings also report 87% of staff perceived that family members were hostile without good reason and 76% report families were angry with aged care workers and undermined their treatment efforts. Conclusions:Although numerous studies exploring staff/family relationships in Australian and overseas settings are reported in the literature, this is the first rural focused study of its kind. Family participation in all aged care settings is essential for provision of person-centred care practices. Current negative perceptions of families expressed by rural aged care staff requires further research to explore possible solutions to improving staff/family relationships.

Factors Predicting Older Patients′ Family Involvement by Nursing Staff in Hospitals: The View of Hospital Nurses in Israel

“…It is well known that negative interactions rob people of various resources, both emotional and concrete. Former research has described staff–family interactions as difficult, conflictual and time-consuming [ 25 , 33 , 34 ]. In addition, these conflicts may negatively impact the staff’s wellbeing and work performance [ 20 ].…”

“…On the other hand, it is possible to see more negative attitudes expressed by staff members towards families. Some of the families were perceived by staff members as being difficult to work with [ 12 , 30 ], while others were termed “problematic families” or “demanding families” [ 33 , 34 ] burdening the staff [ 4 , 22 ]. Other staff members perceived the families as too needy, disruptive, or inappropriately involved in the lives of older people living in an institution [ 31 ]; or conversely, they thought that the families do not do enough for the hospitalized person and are too self-involved [ 4 , 29 ].…”

“…Other staff members perceived the families as too needy, disruptive, or inappropriately involved in the lives of older people living in an institution [ 31 ]; or conversely, they thought that the families do not do enough for the hospitalized person and are too self-involved [ 4 , 29 ]. Staff–family interactions were described as difficult, problematic, time-consuming, conflictual or challenging [ 25 , 33 , 34 ].…”

“…For example, assisting the staff, feelings of trust and providing information regarding the patient, his/her medical history and the care s/he had received were perceived as positive, as they save the staff time, allowing them to provide the patient with swift, appropriate care [ 16 , 25 ]. However, there are different reasons for a negative perception of the family, such as lack of cooperation [ 38 ], family members’ high, sometimes unrealistic, inconsistent and ambiguous expectations, or a feeling that they had not received an appropriate response [ 4 , 36 ], complaints or numerous demands made by family members towards the staff, and expressions of criticism, anger and hostility [ 11 , 33 , 34 ]. This may cause a barrier or hinder cooperation and the forming of a connection, as well as becoming a source of conflict [ 39 ].…”