Staff Factors Contributing to Family Satisfaction with Long-Term Dementia Care: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Objective: The aim of the present review was to critically evaluate empirical evidence regarding staff factors that contribute to families’ satisfaction with ongoing care provision for their relatives with dementia in long-term care. Methods: Four databases were systematically searched using search terms informed by the aim of the present systematic review. The resulting 14 relevant articles comprised both qualitative and quantitative studies. Results: The findings highlighted three broad areas relating to staff factors that appeared to contribute to families’ satisfaction with care provision: family related factors, relating to staff interaction with families; staffing related factors, focusing on staffing organization and composition; and client related factors, focusing on staff interaction with clients and the quality of care provided. Conclusions: The findings have important implications for care staff and managers working in such settings regarding staffing organization, staff training, recruitment and retention. Future research directions are discussed. Clinical Implications: Families want consistent, knowledgeable staff that interact well and respond appropriately to the needs of their relative as well as their own needs as family members. Staff training in such settings should therefore focus not only on staff education but also on the importance of establishing effective relationships with both clients and families.