Work environment and person‐centred dementia care in nursing homes—A cross‐sectional study

AIM: This study aims to explore the relationship between work environment, job characteristics and person‐centred care for people with dementia in nursing homes. BACKGROUND: Person‐centred care approaches have become a dominant indicator for good quality of care in nursing homes. Little is known about the relationship between work environment, job characteristics and person‐centred care in nursing homes. METHOD(S): Cross‐sectional data from the LAD study were used. Direct care staff (n = 552) of nursing homes (n = 49) filled an online questionnaire about work environment characteristics and person‐centred care. To examine relationships, multilevel linear regression analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Associations were found between a higher transformational leadership style, less social support from a leader, a higher unity in philosophy of care, higher levels of work satisfaction, more development opportunities, better experienced teamwork and staff‐reported person‐centred care. CONCLUSION(S): In a complex nursing home environment, person‐centred care is influenced by organisational and work characteristics, shared values and interpersonal relationships. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Leaders may consider facilitating collaboration and creating unity between care staff, clients and family members in order to provide person‐centred care. Therefore, a transformational leadership style, educational programmes and coaching for leaders are recommended.