Research project: Candid Conversations from the Aged Care Sector
Why now and why this research project? "Timely, Truthful, and Telling: The Case for This Research"
For the past 18 months, I’ve had the unique opportunity to support a manager in a small, independent living retirement village. What I witnessed there, particularly the troubling behaviour of a few core residents, compounded by the complicity of the Statutory Supervisor, was nothing short of astonishing. This situation got me putting on my qualitative researcher hat, and I couldn’t help but wonder: is this an isolated incident or part of a broader pattern? Digging deeper, I was both shocked and disheartened to discover that this kind of dysfunction isn’t rare; it’s alarmingly common across the industry. As the workforce within the sector ages, the industry needs to realise that staff are not an infinite resource, nor are people willing to buy or invest in the retirement sector. The well-being and mental health of those working in aged care are being compromised, and this issue can no longer be ignored. Through this website, I will be publishing articles (themes and findings written up into articles) regularly. I’m keen to hear from anyone (it’s anonymous!) to build a picture of what’s happening out there in Aotearoa New Zealand and how we can look after the people working in this sector better.
Findings
"Nothing But the Truth: Where Candid Meets Controversial" In the articles section, I discuss why I chose Candid Conversations as my research methodology and the highlights from the conversations I had with individuals working in the sector. I expand on themes that came up in the conversations. For example, in two dispute processes where excessive hubris from one particular party cost an operator thousands of dollars because they stood on principle, the narratives being weaponised from advocacy groups in the sector, not to mention dealing with Statutory Supervisors who walk the thin line being efficious versus operating in bad faith.
What's next?
Where to from here? How do we look after our staff better so it's not just a token tick box exercise? Are operators/managers looking after their staff or taking the path of least resistance instead of standing up to vexatious residents or overzealous Statutory Supervisors? The research takes a deep dive into what skills (communication and legislation) are required to stem the flow of toxic negativity some managers/staff are experiencing in the sector.