Symbiotic care between residents in service-integrated housing

Abstract

Purpose Sustainable solutions for meeting the physical, emotional and social health care needs of individuals may be realized by shifting the care landscape; for instance, through innovative models of service-integrated housing (SIH). By diversifying populations in these settings, care recipients can choose to engage their skills and abilities toward assisting co-residents, and vice versa as a form of symbiosis. The purpose of this paper is to define attributes of the concept and practice of symbiotic care. Design/methodology/approach The authors drew on firsthand field experience and secondary data from a literature review to conduct a conceptual derivation and analysis, using Walker and Avant’s methodology. The term symbiotic mutualism was derived from the field of biology as an analogy for care exchanged between non-peer co-residents. Attributes, antecedents and consequences of symbiotic care were identified and illustrated using model, borderline and contrary case descriptions. Findings Four defining attributes of symbiotic care were identified: first, cohabitation: care recipients live closely together in SIH settings. Second, non-peer: co-residents have distinct, complementary needs and abilities. Third, mutualism: co-residents experience mutually significant benefits as a result of the activities of their co-residents. Fourth, agency-sponsored: the professional SIH agency or organization attends to unmet resident needs. Research limitations/implications Symbiotic care is a relatively rare phenomenon for which little research exists. This analysis provides a starting point for empirical research, policy and program development and critical evaluation. Originality/value This paper fills a wide gap in the research literature and offers important terminology. It is the first to define the attributes of symbiotic care.

The symbiotic experiences of residents with and without dementia co-living in Taiwan’s long-term care facilities: a phenomenological study

“…This form of symbiosis helps meet residents’ physical, emotional, and social health needs. Meyer et al [ 31 ] stated that symbiotic care involves four key attributes: cohabitation, non-peer interaction, mutualism, and agency sponsorship. These attributes are consistent with the results of the present study.…”

Impact, coping, and Reciprocity: A Phenomenological Study on the Symbiotic Experience of Residents with and without Dementia Co-Living in Taiwan's Long-term Care Facilities

“…This form of symbiosis helps meet residents' physical, emotional, and social health needs. Meyer et al [22] stated that symbiotic care involves four key attributes: cohabitation, non-peer interaction, mutualism, and agency sponsorship. These attributes are consistent with the results of the present study.…”

Involving Young People in Healthy Ageing: A Crucial Facet to Achieving the Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030)

“…Another example is Humanitas Deventer, an intergenerational care home in the Netherlands where students-in return for affordable housing-live alongside older neighbours and contribute to their social care (10). Students' attitudes and actions towards ageing shifted in response to their immersion in the care of older adults, and older individuals reported exiting the "sick role" often experienced in classic long-term care facilities (11). Other studies also support an association between informal intergenerational activities, such as occasional volunteering or friendships, and improved young people's attitudes towards working with older adults (8,12).…”