The importance of aged care policies in assisting older adults transition from home to permanent residential aged care: a focused ethnographic study.

BACKGROUND: The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety (RCAC) recommended a redesign of the Australian aged care system to ensure high quality care, respect, and dignity for residents. Responding to the RCAC recommendations, the Aged Care Quality Standards have been strengthened and continue to guide the delivery of safe, high quality care in Australia. This study investigated the experiences of new residents transitioning into an Australian residential care-facility, concentrating on how their experiences aligned with the core principles of the Aged Care Quality Standards. METHODS: A focused ethnographic approach was used to address the aim of this study. The research was conducted in a residential care-facility located in a major city in Australia. New residents who had lived there for 6 months or less, along with their family members, were recruited through purposive sampling. The data collection process included a total of 19 residents and two family members, and comprised interviews, observations, and informal conversations with residents and their families. FINDINGS: Four themes were identified relating to the value of human connection, addressing new residents' expectations, the multifunctional role of communication in transition, and the implications of the General Practitioner system for new residents. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the need for aged care providers to consistently follow the Aged Care Quality Standards to support new residents in overcoming challenges, improve their transition, and promote better health outcomes for those in permanent residential care-facilities. Our findings indicate that new residents and their key support person should receive a user-friendly hard copy "How To" guide prior to planned admissions, and upon admission if unplanned. Residential care-facilities should prioritise residents' sense of privacy, dignity, and respect within medical systems. Additionally, pre-admission protocols should address accessibility of rehabilitation services to prevent further deterioration of new residents' physical condition.