Residential aged care leadership in Australia - time for a compassionate approach: a qualitative analysis of key leader skills and attributes.

Abstract

AIMS\nThis exploratory research examined perceptions of leadership by leaders within residential aged care to identify the crucial requirements for successful leadership in this complex industry.\n\n\nBACKGROUND\nAs an industry capitalising on the concept of care , one of the critical attributes this research has found to be absent in many aged care leadership approaches is compassion.\n\n\nMETHODS\nA qualitative methodology using thematic analysis, was used to explore the construction of leadership attributes needed within residential aged care, as perceived by leaders in these organisations.\n\n\nRESULTS\nSenior staff in the aged care industry believe that compassion is both a key component and a gap in the skillset, of aged-care leadership and leaders. While most studies define good leadership and care in relation to clinical safety and efficiency , this research demonstrates that compassionate caring is central to high-quality care in residential aged care.\n\n\nCONCLUSIONS\nThe aged care industry needs to enhance and encourage compassionate leadership as a cornerstone of humane and dignified care.