Doing research in care homes: the experiences of researchers and participants

TY - JOUR

T1 - Doing research in care homes

T2 - the experiences of researchers and participants

AU - Brooks, Jenni

AU - Gridley, Kate

AU - Parker, Gillian Mary

N1 - This is an author-produced version of the published paper. Uploaded in accordance with the publisher’s self-archiving policy. Further copying may not be permitted; contact the publisher for details.

PY - 2019/10/7

Y1 - 2019/10/7

N2 - The UK Prime Minister's Challenge on Dementia 2020 includes a target for more research to be conducted in care homes, yet research in care homes can be complex, as they are both homes and workplaces.We reflect on our experiences as researchers on a mixed methods study in six care homes over a year. We include the experiences of care home residents, their family and friends, and members of staff.Care home staff turnover was high, funding was constrained and priorities often differed from those of the researchers. Negotiating ongoing access and data collection was therefore challenging at times. Most residents did not mind taking part, but those who preferred not to felt able to decline. Private space was limited. Research in care homes needs to be adequately planned and resourced, including funding for staff time, if staff, residents and visitors are to participate in a meaningful way.

AB - The UK Prime Minister's Challenge on Dementia 2020 includes a target for more research to be conducted in care homes, yet research in care homes can be complex, as they are both homes and workplaces.We reflect on our experiences as researchers on a mixed methods study in six care homes over a year. We include the experiences of care home residents, their family and friends, and members of staff.Care home staff turnover was high, funding was constrained and priorities often differed from those of the researchers. Negotiating ongoing access and data collection was therefore challenging at times. Most residents did not mind taking part, but those who preferred not to felt able to decline. Private space was limited. Research in care homes needs to be adequately planned and resourced, including funding for staff time, if staff, residents and visitors are to participate in a meaningful way.

KW - Care homes

KW - Dementia

KW - Life story work

KW - Research methods

M3 - Article

VL - 8

JO - Social Research Practice

JF - Social Research Practice

ER -