Participatory action research and empowerment of nursing home residents

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss participatory action research with staff, residents and relatives contributed to the residents’ quality of life through the development of an inclusive praxis in a public nursing home in Denmark. The project addressed the residents’ reports about a lack of influence in their everyday lives. Design/methodology/approach The project used future-creating workshops as an important methodological tool. Theoretical concepts about developing a social reflexive and colletive morally obliging praxis were central to frame democratic learning and acting. The theoretical concepts of empowerment and capability were also applied. This paper will outline the methods and the results obtained. Findings Learning processes were initiated, enabling staff to respectfully engage in dialogue with residents and their relatives about their needs and wishes. The development of a democratic knowledge-building process was established based on the perspectives of the residents, relatives and staff. In conclusion, the project contributed to the development of a more reflective and democratic praxis focused on empowering the residents as the primary “stakeholders” in the daily life of the nursing home. Originality/value The research paper is based on the authors’ own research.