Time to talk: Evaluation of a staff – resident quality time intervention on the perceptions of staff in aged care

Abstract

Aged care research has found that relationships between care-providing staff and residents are often not satisfying for either staff or residents. The study evaluated the effects of a simple relationship intervention, Staff – Resident Quality Time, on staff perceptions of relationship satisfaction and control in two aged care facilities. The intervention increased the amount of interpersonal interaction that occurred between staff and residents, and was evaluated by staff as a valuable intervention that allowed them to get to know residents better. Staff perceptions of control in their work significantly increased. The intervention was cost-effective and simple to implement from a management perspective and reinforced the importance of relating to residents on an interpersonal level as a part of core daily aged care.

Acknowledgements

We are very grateful for the financial and practical support from the Uniting Care: Aging and Disability Service, Uniting Church of Australia, through foundation scholarships to the first two authors. Thank you to Lee Chin, Ruth Jones and the staff and residents from the aged care facilities that participated.