Involuntary Care


MacGregor Goodman, University of Manitoba

In long-term residential care (LTRC), sometimes staff provide involuntary care—care that residents refuse or resist—which can cause harm to both staff and residents. Research has shown a clear correlation between involuntary care and resident aggression, but the rationale behind choosing whether or not to proceed with involuntary care has not yet been explored to a great extent. In this analysis, we explored how and when staff provide involuntary care, when they accept or see this practice as necessary and when they reject this practice. Data included interviews with staff working in LTRC in two Canadian provinces. The acceptability of involuntary care was influenced by the potential of harm toward staff rather than the potential for harm to residents. This is apparent through the rationale given for what kind of force is acceptable in care, and what kind of force is not. The potential for staff injury and risk of being reprimanded by management are frequently factors in whether or not to proceed in providing care that the resident has not consented to. This reflects a workforce that is undervalued and underpaid, thus, restricted in their ability to provide relationally focused care that respects the autonomy and dignity of the individuals they care for.

Non-presenting authors: Rachel Herron, Brandon University; Laura Funk, University of Manitoba

This paper will be presented at the following session: