Building relationships in residential long-term care: determinants of staff attitudes toward family members.

The objective of this study was to identify staff-, family-, facility-, and resident-level predictors of staff attitudes toward family members. Data were used from 41 care staff members recruited from 5 nursing homes, 5 assisted living facilities, and 16 family care homes. A multiple regression model found that staff who reported greater quality in their relationships with residents also tended to indicate more positive perceptions of family members. The findings emphasize the need to consider family, resident, and staff relationships in concert when designing and implementing nursing interventions to improve quality of life and care in residential settings.