Shaping attitudes: The association between prior contact with residential aged care and resistance to enter residential aged care.

Abstract

BACKGROUND\nThe ageing population is increasing, and negative attitudes towards older people are all too common and largely overlooked. However, little research has examined how ageist, prejudice, and discrimination, that often occur in healthcare settings, impact the community s perceptions of entering Residential Aged Care (RAC) in the future. In particular, studies have not investigated how contact with RAC influences individuals attitudes towards RAC facilities, residents and staff. This study is the first to examine individuals resistance towards living in RAC using the contact hypothesis, a theory of prejudice reduction.\n\n\nAIMS\nTo explore how positive or negative contact with RAC residents and staff impacts individuals behavioural intentions towards entering RAC in the future. To examine whether perceptions of trust, independence and RAC staff mediate the relationship between contact and behavioural intentions towards entering RAC in the future.\n\n\nDESIGN\nA cross-sectional survey design.\n\n\nMETHOD\nData were collected via online surveys using contact (positive or negative), trust, independence, perceptions of RAC staff and resistance levels (mild refusal or extreme refusal) measures. Participants (n\xa0=\xa0373) from Australia and USA were recruited using social media, word of mouth and Amazons Mechanical Turk.\n\n\nFINDINGS\nIndividuals who experienced negative contact with RAC residents and staff were more likely to report intense resistance to RAC, I would rather die than enter RAC . Whereas, positive contact with RAC residents and staff was associated with reductions in the adverse appraisal of RAC staff; a diminished perception that individuals lost their independence, and an increased trust in RAC residents, facilities and staff. Participants from USA reported greater levels of resistance towards RAC in comparison with participants from Australia. This study demonstrates how interactions with RAC residents, facilities and staff are critical in shaping attitudes towards RAC.\n\n\nIMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE\nIt is recommended that the public are exposed to opportunities where they can experience positive contact with RAC. RAC facilities can promote interaction between the public and RAC residents through encouraging participation in community partnership programs/intergenerational programs.