Priority 14 for Setting priorities for social care research in Wales

UNCERTAINTY: What are the benefits to older people of receiving continuous support from the same paid care workers? How can this best be achieved?  (Priority 14)
Overall ranking 14
JLA question ID 0102/14
Explanatory note Older people and carers raised this issue many times. They described how important it is for older people to build a relationship with the person caring for them, especially for people with dementia. They don’t like having to repeat the same information about themselves to every carer. Having too many staff changes makes older people feel like a number rather than a person. Practitioners asked about building relationships with the people they care for, while not overstepping professional boundaries. Creating reciprocal relationships where the older person gives something back could benefit everyone.  
Evidence

No evidence identified 
Health Research Classification System category Generic health relevance 
Extra information provided by this project
Original uncertainty examples How can professional boundaries and relational risk aversion be revised to support reciprocal caring relationships between older people and those who support them - enabling older people to give as well as receive? ~ I feel more supported when I am able to build a good working relationship with professionals who take the time to check that I am receiving the support that is needed. ~ Continuity of Carers particularly if the person is living with Dementia.  ~ Domiciliary care provided as much as possible by the same one or two people ~ I would find it better if the support that I receive is the same individuals and not a constant stream of new people to get used to. 
Submitted by 4 x older people, 8 x carers, 3 x group members (a mix of older people and carers), 1 x other 
Project information
Project unique ID 0102
Project name Setting priorities for social care research in Wales
Total number of uncertainties identified by this project. 35  (To see a full list of all uncertainties identified, please see the detailed spreadsheet held on the JLA website)
Date of priority setting workshop 16 & 17 September 2020