Experiences of a Mass Interinstitutional Relocation for Long-Term Care Staff. Issue 2 (3rd April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Canham, Sarah L.; Wada, Mineko; Battersby, Lupin; Fang, Mei Lan; Sixsmith, Andrew
• Is Part Of: Journal of housing for the elderly. Volume 32:Issue 2(2018)
• Page Start: 160
• Page End: 175
• Publication Date: 2018-04-03
• Subjects: Interinstitutional relocation -- nursing homes -- work relationships -- staff relationships -- interpersonal behavior; Older people -- Dwellings -- Periodicals; Aging -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; 363.5946
• DOI: 10.1080/02763893.2018.1431582
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0276-3893

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This research explored long-term care (LTC) staff perceptions and experiences of working in LTC and providing care to residents following a mass interinstitutional relocation. In-depth, semistructured interviews were conducted with 63 LTC workers. Thematic analyses revealed three overarching themes related to how staff members perceived their relationships with other staff members following relocation. The first theme, post-relocation relationships between staff members, included the subthemes "Staff are segregated from each other" (physical distance) and "We were a family" to "barely say hi" (psychological distance). The second theme, post-relocation stress, has two subthemes: "Staffing is our big issue" and consequences of stress: absenteeism and leave. The third theme is recommendations for improving and managing staff relationships post-relocation. Relationships among staff members are integral to working in LTC and providing care to residents following a mass interinstitutional relocation. Recommendations for improving staff relationships and morale are suggested.