Experiences of a Mass Interinstitutional Relocation for Long-Term Care Staff |
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| Authors: | Sarah L Canham Mineko Wada Lupin Battersby Mei Lan Fang Andrew Sixsmith |
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| Institution: | 1. Gerontology Research Centre, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada;2. STAR Institute, Simon Fraser University, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada;3. Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada;4. STAR Institute, Simon Fraser University, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada;5. School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom |
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| 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. |
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| Keywords: | Interinstitutional relocation nursing homes work relationships staff relationships interpersonal behavior |
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