Older residents’ perceptions of family involvement in residential care

Aim: This study explored the Chinese older people's perceptions regarding family involvement and specific factors influencing family involvement in residential care homes. Background: Family involvement in residential care home is a multi-dimensional construct that connects the resident with their family, friends, neighbours and care professionals to facilitate their physical, psycho-emotional and social well-being. However, it remains unclear as to what Chinese residents perceive as the meaning of involving the family and components of it that are important to later live. Material and Methods: A descriptive qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was conducted in two residential care homes in Macao. Ten Chinese residents were purposively sampled. The interview data were taped-recorded and transcribed. Fieldnotes and visitors' records were collected. The data were content-analyzed. Results: Chinese residents' perceptions of family involvement were captured by four themes: components of family involvement, factors influencing family involvement, impacts of family involvement on residents' lives, and promoting family involvement strategies. Conclusion: Findings provided insights for geriatric care providers to acknowledge the contributions that family members can make to be more involved in the residents' live, and to strengthen relationships. Family involvement can also help to facilitate sense of blessing and feelings of achievements for the residents.