The role of resident representative groups in the operationalisation of autonomy for older adults in residential care

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dc.contributor.advisorCoffey, Aliceen
dc.contributor.advisorHegarty, Josephineen
dc.contributor.authorO'Sullivan, Sinéad
dc.date.accessioned2017-03-23T10:04:00Z
dc.date.available2017-03-23T10:04:00Z
dc.date.issued2016
dc.date.submitted2016
dc.description.abstractBackground: Population ageing is a major global trend that is transforming economies and societies around the world. It is one of the most important demographic megatrends with implications for all aspects of our societies. Whilst public healthcare policy advocates caring for individuals in their own homes as a strategic priority, this is not always possible. It has been revealed that the cohort of oldest adults is increasing and the majority of this population require residential care. Recent commentators have emphasised the promotion of resident autonomy as a fundamental element of organisational care. There is momentum behind the move to ensure residents’ voices are heard by people who deliver healthcare services. One intervention available to the older adult in residential care is the in-house residents’ representative group. However, there is a paucity of research regarding their role in the operationalisation of autonomy for older adults in residential care. Aim: To describe the role of resident representative groups in the operationalisation of autonomy for older adults in residential care. Method: A pragmatic paradigm and concurrent mixed methods study approach was employed. The sample frame for the present study comprised of seven resident representative groups within seven long-term care nursing home facilities in the Mid-West Region of Ireland. These included a mix of public (n=2), private (n=4) and voluntary (n=1) residential care facilities. Empirical approaches used drew on Welford et al.’s (2010) conceptualisation of the key attributes of autonomy for older people in residential care. Four approaches to data collection were used. Data were collected concurrently but separately. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and qualitative data were analysed using latent content analysis. Findings: Resident Representative Groups (RRGs) have the potential to facilitate the operationalisation of autonomy for older adults in residential care. This study suggested that there is considerable scope for improving a number of structural and procedural factors that influence the functioning of RRGs. Noteworthy findings highlighted the importance the role family played at the RRG. This enabled them to act as an advocate and voice for their relative who was cognitively impaired. Furthermore, the RRG, when successfully facilitated, provided a forum for residents to delegate their care needs and be involved in decisions relating to their care. Conclusion and Implications: The RRG has a role to play in the operationalisation of autonomy for older adults in residential care, but only when the structures and processes are conducive to doing so. Whilst the characteristics of residential care challenge us to rethink models of care delivery, we should consider the role and functions of the RRG to one of enablement, empowerment, facilitation, and social connectedness. The focus of the RRG should be on the well-being of residents, valuing their quality of life as well as their quality of careen
dc.description.statusNot peer revieweden
dc.description.versionAccepted Version
dc.format.mimetypeapplication/pdfen
dc.identifier.citationO'Sullivan, S. 2016. The role of resident representative groups in the operationalisation of autonomy for older adults in residential care. PhD Thesis, University College Cork.en
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/10468/3825
dc.language.isoenen
dc.publisherUniversity College Corken
dc.rights© 2016, Sinéad O'Sullivan.en
dc.rights.urihttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/en
dc.subjectResident autonomyen
dc.subjectCare of the elderlyen
dc.subjectOlder people institutional careen
dc.subjectNursing home patientsen
dc.thesis.opt-outtrue
dc.titleThe role of resident representative groups in the operationalisation of autonomy for older adults in residential careen
dc.typeDoctoral thesisen
dc.type.qualificationlevelPractitioner Doctorateen
dc.type.qualificationnameDoctor of Nursing Practiceen
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