Dementia care staff and family carers: Their relationships in the context of care

Objectives: This research examines relationships between care staff specifically employed to care for residents with dementia and family carers. Method: The study employed a qualitative approach involving multiple methods of data collection (in-depth interviews, participant observation, assessment of the physical and mental function of residents). A non-random sample consisting of fifteen care staff from seven residential care settings was used. Results: Care staff perceive that family carers are generally grateful and undemanding and that a significant number lack sufficient involvement in residents' care. Policy and organisational factors may produce positive understanding between care staff and family carers, while at a less visible level, may prevent both groups from voicing more difficult concerns related to care. Conclusions: Policy and organisational change is needed to enable staff and family carers to voice the tensions inherent in their relationship. Funding arrangements for residential care need to include time for staff to develop relationships with family carers.