Photovoice in aged care: What do residents value?

OBJECTIVES: This paper visually explores older aged care resident's day-to-day lived experience, as well as providing a brief introduction to the participatory documentary photography method of photovoice.

METHODS: Ten residents from one Australian residential aged care facility collaborated with researchers and care staff to photograph, reflect on and share their lives. Photographs were shortlisted in individual and group discussions.

RESULTS: Residents' photographs and narratives provide a visual understanding of what they value. Photographs captured three core themes: the restorative joy of nature (frangipanis); active engagement through leisure activities (football); and the value of social interactions and connections, especially with fellow residents and staff (friendship).

CONCLUSIONS: As old age and aged care remain virtually invisible within popular visual culture, this research highlights the communicative value of participatory photography for challenging stereotypes, as well as the opportunities, challenges and value of visual methods with this cohort.