Privacy in personal care homes in Winnipeg, Manitoba as experienced by residents

• Main Author: Boonstra, Nicole
• Other Authors: Taylor-Henley, Sharon (Social Work)
• Published: 2014
• Subjects: privacy; personal care home; long term care; ecosystems perspective; room; accommodations; case study
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1993/23920

The case study examined physical and social privacy for nine residents residing in personal care homes in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The study explored how residents’ well-being and quality of life was affected by the privacy afforded to them in various room accommodations. The case study explored residents’ social location, room preference, safety and security, communication with family, interaction with staff, and interaction with roommates. The study found that residents benefit from having access to locks for doors; specialized units for cognitively impaired residents; private health assessment rooms; phasing out multi-bed room; use of room barriers; privacy for intimacy; access to private lounges for visiting; and private room with a public telephone. The study assists health care providers and students in health fields in becoming aware of privacy issues. The study may be useful in assisting residents to prepare for adjustment to a personal care home.