Communication Behaviors in Nursing Homes in South-East Iran: An Ethnographic Study

Because of the increasing number of the elderly, the need for care in aged nursing homes (NHs) is increasing. As a cultural perspective toward care is new, it is very important to understand the communication behavior of the elderly in various cultures. This study aimed to explore the communication behaviors among the elderly in NHs in Kerman, Iran.

This ethnographic focused study was conducted on 25 staff members and 8 residents in two NHs in 2015. Data were collected through observation of the participants, field notes, and semi-structured deep interviews in Kerman. Cuba and Lincoln method was used to ensure the trustworthiness of the data. The collected data were analyzed through content analysis.

By analyzing primary codes, 3 categories and 8 subcategories were extracted through content analysis including fluctuation in communication (task-oriented communication, avoidance of communication, and establishment of effective communication), artificial collaboration (fake friendships, jealousy, and its consequences, and cooperation in concealing error), and lack of collaboration among team members (fragmented teamwork, extreme working conditions, and physical burnout among the elderly).

The results of this study indicate that communication problems between caregivers and the elderly are high. Thus, it is necessary that people who care for elderly indiviuals are trained regarding special communication strategies and skills, and they are not influenced by fatigue and burnout resulting from caring.