From Person-Centered to Relational Care: Expanding the Focus in Residential Care Facilities

Abstract

Long-term residential care facilities for older adults currently espouse a philosophy of person-centered care (PCC). However, these facilities operate according to a medical model with highly structured administration and regulation. As a result, there is tension between the priorities of the resident and the organization. A qualitative study conducted with 4 social workers and 1 physician employed in residential care facilities demonstrates not only the structural barriers to PCC, but also the importance of meaningful relationships to residents' socio-emotional well-being. The final section explores how organizational barriers might be mitigated through the complementary use of relational care.

Keywords:

• residential care facilities
• social work practice
• person centered care
• relationships
• relational care

Acknowledgments

I am grateful to the participants in this study for their involvement and candor, and I wish to acknowledge the reviewers of this piece alongside Louise Stern, Dr. Deborah O'Connor, and Carolyn Oliver of the University of British Columbia for their valuable feedback and assistance in the preparation of this article.