A study of decision-making in care homes
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An Ethnographic Study of Decision-Making and Dementia Care in Care Homes: Improving understanding and practice in day to day care
IRAS ID
118369
Contact name
Jong Min Jeong
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Research summary
The proposed research aims to offer a better understanding of how residents living with dementia demonstrate a capacity/incapacity to make decisions in different care and activity settings. This will be explored through an ethnographically grounded study based on participant observation of people living with dementia and the staff that engage with them, as well as follow-up interviews with significant others and members of staff.
The researcher will continue in his ongoing volunteer role that he has carried out in the care home for the last eight years, in which he facilitates and organises activities with residents, for example pottery, story reading, cookery, while simultaneously observing how decisions are made and preferences are expressed while carrying out such activities. The study is based around the existing routines and activities of care that the researcher delivers on a routine basis and no additional input will be required from residents.Having dementia does not mean that a person automatically or completely loses their decision-making ability. They may still be involved in deciding issues such as what to wear or eat, which colour to paint an object they have made, or when to go for walk. However, how to support this person and enable them to make decisions is not always reconcilable with the reality of health care delivery. Few studies consider everyday decision-making processes and how this influences daily practice and care of the person living with dementia, as well as those around them. This study will contextualise the experience of people with dementia living in a care home setting, focusing on how the capacity and incapacity in decision-making influences residents’ daily experience and their treatment. As a part of this exploration, consideration will be given to the manner in which support staff and other related people understand and translate capacity for decision-making.
REC name
North West - Haydock Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/NW/0054
Date of REC Opinion
8 Apr 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion