Abstract
Social connection in long-term care presents a significant challenge across high-income countries, where institutional approaches often prioritise clinical care over social and emotional wellbeing. Common barriers include inadequate staffing levels, limited staff education about social needs, and standardised activity programs that fail to engage residents meaningfully. This doctoral research examines how long-term care homes in Finland address these challenges through policy, design, and daily practice. Using observational data and interviews from care homes in regional Finland, it analyses how social connection is integrated into care home design, staff responsibilities, and activity programming. A case study focused on Finnish care homes is featured. Observations were conducted at five care homes and in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with residents, staff, and management. To understand the broader political and cultural context in Finland, interviews were conducted with policy experts, academics and other relevant commentators. Supporting social connection in care homes in Finland was associated with fostering a sense of home relating to three main domains i) building design and physical spaces in the care homes, ii) organisational culture and staff practices, iii) key polices and broader cultural values. Care homes located within the same wellbeing service county varied in their approach of supporting resident social connection, highlighting the opportunity for more standardised and systematic methods related to these key domains. The findings offer practical insights for transforming long-term care facilities into environments that actively nurture social connection, suggesting adaptable solutions for aged care providers and policymakers internationally.
Presenters
Jasmine KnoxResearch Associate, Social Innovation Research Institute, Swinburne University of Technology, Victoria, Australia
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Social and Cultural Perspectives on Aging
KEYWORDS
Social connection, Well-being, Older people, Long-term care
