Grant: Summer Program in Aging

Long-term care (LTC) is a workplace - but its primary purpose is that of a home. The structured care delivered in LTC might not always allow for the recognition and celebration of cultural, language, and lifestyle preferences of those living in care. Family member informal care partners can play an essential role in realizing these important aspects. This area has not been studied in depth, particularly in relation to diversity. The overarching question guiding my master's research is: what advocacy occupations do informal family care partners engage in on behalf of their family member living in LTC and how do they contribute to a positive care experience for those living in LTC? Through a methodological approach of interpretive description, semi-structured interviews will seek to ask informal family care partners about their methods of and various journeys to advocacy, and the relationship dynamics that develop over time between the different actors in a given LTC home. I am particularly hopeful that this research gives insight into partnerships between people receiving care, "informal" caregivers, and those who work and research as employees, faculty, and students.