Logo SevenSenses
Search
Close this search box.
Search
Close this search box.
logo hoek

Project details

Start date: Juli 2021
Status: Afgerond
Duration: 5 maanden
Country: Nederland
Coordinator: Sophie Schmitz

PAR Report

Coordinated Care

Laverhof is a locally rooted care organization for the elderly. The locations of Laverhof are situated in Schijndel, Wijbosch, Heeswijk-Dinther, and Uden. Laverhof provides nursing home care, rehabilitation, short-term stays, home support, specialized day care and treatment, various therapies, and end-of-life care. Additionally, “assisted living” is possible in one of the comfortable rental apartments. Laverhof works with the Family Care Method. This is a tool to facilitate collaboration between Laverhof and family members, to meet each other to shape care in such a way that continuous coordination takes place and that the relationship between the client and family is maintained. From experience, it appears that the Family Care Method is not seen as a tool but has developed into a goal in itself. As a result, the right approach is lacking, and the intended goal is being overlooked. This Participatory Action Research is about discovering what the current situation is and to explore where we want to go and how we can do that.

Project team

Situation

  • Family care is seen as a goal rather than a means to achieve the goal (coordinated care, dialogue, client and his/her system as a starting point).
  • There is insufficient work from the intention, which means that the ultimate goal is unknown.
  • The family care method is very theoretical and difficult to understand. Translation into practice is missing and is therefore not visible in action.

PAR Design

PAR-goal

To co-create and realize action plans with stakeholders in order to provide coordinated care where the client and his/her system remain the starting point.

Outcome

Based on the action research, two action plans have been made with the following topics and direct actions:

1. Family involvement, with visibility of what can and may be done:
a. Plan family evenings per quarter
b. Establish communication rules/living rules regarding what can and may be done on the ward
c. Inform and enthuse first contact persons about their involvement with Laverhof

2. Expectations (upon admission)

a. Additional staff present at new admissions
b. Bring forward evaluation interview (family interview/well-being interview) by day care coach in time (after 3-4 weeks)
c. Pre-admission interview at home

These actions are identified as first steps in a change process. These actions have been chosen by looking at which points are really relevant now and where the most progress can be made in the short term.

The indirect outcomes of the action research also focus literally on the “soft” side. It focuses on the theme of “communication” and providing insight into each other’s perspectives, ideas, motivations, and desires. Having a conversation has lowered the initial barrier for participants to engage in conversation with each other in the future. Furthermore, a first step has been taken towards finding care professionals and families of clients in a low-threshold manner. This remains challenging. Laverhof has the task of facilitating these encounters, enabling meaningful conversations, and continuing to stimulate collaboration.

Impact

The effects of PAR mainly focus on the fact that both families and employees have gained more insight into each other’s perspectives. Especially the perspective that neither wants to burden each other additionally. One result of this is that questions are not asked, the dialogue does not come about effectively, and there are assumptions that do not match. This has been discussed in a well-attended focus group and has had a positive impact on both the team and the family members. They dare to address each other better and are aware of each other’s intentions.

Project images