Family members' experiences and management of resident-to-resident abuse in long-term residential care.

OBJECTIVES: Resident-to-resident (RRA) abuse is increasingly recognized as a significant problem in long-term residential care.Families have a constant presence in this setting, yet their inclusion in research about RRA is minimal. The purpose of this study was to examine family members' experiences and management of RRA.

METHODS: The methodology was critical ethnography.Twelve family members participated in in-depth interviews and 56 hours of participant observation were conducted. Data were analyzed thematically.

RESULTS: The main themes illuminate families' experiences of RRA in a context that largely normalizes it.In the absence of formal supports, families developed a range of management strategies, ranging from passive to active intervention.Organizational factors, such as staffing levels and mix, and the physical environment also contributed to RRA.

DISCUSSION: Families are actively managing RRA in long-term residential care. Policies and programs, including educational supports, should be developed to validate and support families.