When it is more than a job: Close relationships between home health aides and older clients

Objectives: A qualitative study was conducted to investigate the types of r elationships that were formed between older clients and their home health a ides and to identify structural characteristics and interactive processes t hat facilitated various types of relationships. Methods: Using semistructur ed interviews, members of 16 families and their home health aides described the relationships that developed between clients and aides and the conditi ons and contexts that facilitated or inhibited close relationship developme nt. Data were coded and analyzed using a multistage process. Results: Most relationships between aides and older clients were described as friendship or like one of the family, with friendship occurring most often. Several st ructural conditions and numerous interactive friendship processes were iden tified. The cognitive process of boundary setting discriminated between fri endships and family-like relationships. Discussion: Results show support fo r socioemotional selectivity theory and highlight the benefits of close rel ationships for older homebound adults and their home health aides.