Seniors' experiences of client-centred residential care

The philosophy concerning long-term care for frail seniors has shifted from a provider-driven, medical model toward a more client-centred, social mode l. While this philosophy emphasises the decision-making abilities of client s and respect for their values and preferences, evidence suggests that ther e are difficulties in understanding and implementing the philosophy. Qualit ative in-depth interviews were conducted with residents of adult fan-lily l iving and assisted living programmes in western Canada to better understand the elements that residents themselves felt were integral to client-centre d care. Three main themes emerged from the data analysis: (1) the physical setting, people within the setting, and the community were important areas of expre ssion of residents' values and preferences; (Q) the decision about where to live influenced whether the residential care environment was congruent wit h residents' values and preferences; (3) contentment resulted when there wa s a good fit between preferences and experiences, reflecting the essence of residents' perspective of client-centred care. Choices among models of car e, appropriate staffing levels and training, and recognition of family cont ributions may improve the practice of client-centred care.