Day care of the elderly: a participant observation study of one centre

Abstract

This thesis is concerned with day care for elderly people, an area of provision about which there has been little experimental research. It reports research undertaken In one day centre for both elderly and physically handicapped (non-elderly) clients. However, as the research Is focussed on the elderly, the physically handicapped clients are considered only Insofar as their presence Is relevant to the care of the elderly clients.
Some literature concerning elderly people Is reviewed selectively. Particular attention Is paid to work concerning the provision of social care for the elderly and especially day care.
The primary research methodology was participant observation. Some theoretical Issues concerned with participant observation are raised and the conduct of the present research Is described and discussed.
The research falls Into three parts.
First, there Is an analysis of the clients at the Centre based on the data available from their admission forms.
Secondly, the fieldwork Is reported. A short description of the staff at the Centre Is followed by an analysis of the clients' early days In day care, specifically the processes of admission and Induction. Transport Is then discussed. The Centre regime Is described including activities undertaken by clients, group formation and membership, subjects of conversation and subjects of concern to clients, relationships with physically handicapped clients, staff-client Interaction and Centre management. The operation of the Review Panel Is considered.
Thirdly, there Is a summary of Interviews with a sub-sample of clients.
The findings point up Important policy implications for Social Services Department and Centre management. The need to Identify clear aims for day centres and for Individual clients is emphasised. Suggestions are made concerning admission policies, Induction, the way In which client progress Is reviewed and Centre regimes. Attention Is drawn to the roles (especially the caring roles) of different categories of staff. Ideas for future research are noted.