STAFF ATTITUDES AND JOB-SATISFACTION IN THE CARE OF DEMENTED ELDERLY PEOPLE - GROUP LIVING COMPARED WITH LONG-TERM-CARE INSTITUTIONS

The present study is one part of a study evaluating group living (GL) care for demented elderly people in comparison with traditional instit utional (TI) care. The present report concentrates on personal and wor k-related effects on staff. A staff training programme has been implem ented, including relevant gerontological knowledge, principles of the new care concept, support and supervision. Effects are evaluated by st aff interviews, observation and staff turnover rates. Results show inc reased knowledge and new emotional and social attitudes, resulting in higher competence and professional conduct towards patients as well as increased motivation, job satisfaction and quality of work for GL sta ff but not for TI staff. Group living is now a rapidly developing form of care in Sweden.