Well-being in long-term care: an ode to vulnerability

Area of Science:

• Healthcare
• Gerontology
• Psychology

Background:

• Well-being is a multidimensional concept, including subjective affective and cognitive evaluations of physical, psychological, and social domains.
• Universal well-being approaches show significant overlap with dementia-specific care strategies.
• Despite initiatives for person-centered care, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted a predominant focus on physical health in Dutch long-term care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To advocate for a universal well-being perspective as a central framework in healthcare.
• To explore the application of well-being principles in addressing challenges like behavioral issues in care settings.
• To emphasize the importance of professional well-being and its impact on patient care.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of well-being dimensions in healthcare.
• Review of existing care initiatives and their alignment with universal well-being principles.
• Examination of the relationship between resident-carer dynamics and overall well-being.

Main Results:

• A universal well-being framework offers an inclusive approach, integrating positive aspects and addressing needs, including challenging behaviors.
• Care focused on well-being extends benefits to frail individuals, their families, and healthcare professionals.
• The quality of the resident-carer relationship and the well-being of caregivers are critical for enhancing resident well-being.

Conclusions:

• Adopting a universal well-being perspective is essential for holistic healthcare, benefiting all stakeholders.
• Care approaches like 'attentiveness in care' and relationship-centered care promote reciprocity and acknowledge the vulnerability of individuals.
• Prioritizing the well-being of healthcare professionals is integral to improving the quality of care for residents.