A sociological exploration of the role of support workers in elderly care organizations

Abstract

Introduction: Reablement is a person-centred, holistic approach that increases the independence of an elderly person when it comes to meaningful activities in their own home. This approach of care promotes independent aging in place rather than assuming care tasks, creating a more sustainable form of care provision. Reablement is done by a core team, but certain tasks may be shifted towards a support worker. Objective: In this research, the role of the support worker is researched for Dutch context as well as perceptions surrounding it. Theory: Organic solidarity and social cohesion as well as theories of successful ageing and reablement were used to understand success factors and perceptions towards support workers. Method: Qualitative data was collected, using semi-structured interviews as well as a focus group. Participants represented four different stakeholders: Organizational (n=6), practical (n=6), research (n=3) and elderly representatives (n=3). Interviews delved into themes surrounding perceptions towards support workers, advice for implementation, and discussions surrounding education. Results: According to the respondents, support workers are professionals that form an extension of the core team. They execute the treatment plan created by the core team. They can also perform “gray area” tasks with clients that a core team professional usually lacks the time for. Conclusion and implementation: The policy advice consists of four parts. Firstly, anybody can be a reablement worker as long as they complete training as well as possess the right competencies. A care background is not a requirement. Secondly, the transition towards support workers must be soft and gradual with proper communication towards teams, clients and informal caregivers about what the support worker is. Thirdly, support workers should be financed through health insurance. And lastly, for successful implementation, appreciation towards support workers is needed. This means guaranteed working hours, graduation ceremonies and covered travel expenses.