Relationship-Centered Care for Older Adults in Long-Term Care Homes: A Scoping Review

This scoping review, following Levac et al.'s methodology, examines the implementation and impact of relationship-centered care (RCC) in long-term care (LTC) settings for older adults. Peer-reviewed articles from AgeLine, CINAHL Complete, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Web of Science were included if published after 2000, involved older adults in LTC homes, focused on RCC, and conducted in Australia, Europe, New Zealand, or North America. Key findings were organized using inductive content analysis, and 41 empirical studies with qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods designs were included. Three categories emerged: (1) Core Practices of RCC-relationship building and reciprocal exchange; (2) Transformative Impacts of RCC-improved care quality and collaboration; and (3) Pathways and Roadblocks to RCC-individual and organizational factors. By understanding the key elements, facilitators, and barriers of RCC, policymakers and practitioners can develop targeted strategies to improve care experiences and outcomes for residents, families, staff, and all others involved in LTC.