Communication among residents and caregivers: A qualitative study of intergenerational institutional communication

• In Event: Communication and Aging Division: Competitive paper II -- Social support, caregiving and aging

Abstract

A field study was conducted at a not-for-profit continuing care facility to obtain descriptive information about resident caregiver communication. A total of 10 hours of observation was devoted to the moderate amount of assistance and around-the-clock supervision wings. Degree of resident self-sufficiency, wing layout, and type of activity provided sources of comparison for resident caregiver communication. The moderate assistance wing was characterized by age-appropriate, everyday conversations. The around-the-clock wing was characterized by age-adapted, task-oriented interactions.

Author

• Danielle Catona, Penn State University