Learning to Deal Constructively With Troubled Conscience Related to Care Providers’ Perceptions of Not Providing Sufficient Activities for Residents

Abstract

The aim of this study was to illuminate an intervention process to assist care providers in municipal care of older people to constructively deal with their troubled conscience generated from their perceived shortcomings about not providing sufficient activities for residents. The study design was grounded in participatory action research. Twelve care providers and their manager participated in intervention sessions. Content analysis was used to analyze the transcriptions. By sharing their experiences with each other, care providers became aware of, and confirmed in one another, what types of activities were meaningful for residents and actions were taken to provide such activities. The importance of being attentive and relying on residents’ responses, that is, providing person-centered activities, was found to be satisfying to residents and eased the care providers’ troubled conscience. An enlightened conscience can be an important asset, which may prevent ill-health and improve quality of care.