A recurring challenge for aged care providers is attracting and appointing suitable, highly motivated staff to provide quality care for residents. The aged care sector has unmet demand for staff, and a facility with non-traditional models-of-care in a distinctive built environment may provide a desirable alternative workplace. The current study explores the experiences of management and staff at New Direction Care (NDC), an innovative aged care facility at Bellmere, Queensland. NDC pioneers models-of-care and dementia-friendly design with seven-person households in themed clusters, set in extensive landscaping. There are no central dining-rooms; residents eat and live in their own homes with freedom to visit friends and to use the extensive facilities. NDC provides a different workplace from conventional aged care. Staff roles are varied and reflect the more personalised and tailored activities that are part of everyday work.
This is a qualitative, cross-sectional design, with individual interviews with management and staff. Questions focus on exploring their relationship and experience with aged care, reflecting on their place in the industry, and on what keeps them in aged care and at NDC. Interviews will be transcribed verbatim, anonymised, and analysed using thematic analysis with an appreciative inquiry approach.
The research will consider links between non-task focussed autonomous motivation, work-related commitment and staff retention. Prioritisation of autonomy in providing appropriate and flexible care for the residents, along with gardens and open spaces, may contribute to better quality of life and experience for both staff and residents. Final outcomes will be presented at the conference.