Leadership in long-term care homes for people with dementia

Abstract

With the growing attention for relationship and person-centered care in Long-Term-Care homes, good leadership is often mentioned as an important precondition for implementing this type of care. It has been stated that effective leadership is necessary in order to provide residents with the best possible care, thereby involving relatives and providing nursing home staff with a healthy work environment. In this symposium, international insights are shared on what is known from research about the influence of leadership in Long-Term-Care homes on its workforce, residents and their relatives. The studies, both quantitative and qualitative, that will be presented underline the importance of leadership. They show that certain leadership traits relate to positive outcomes for all those involved. Overall, it seems that what makes a true leader great, does not seem to be different according to the studies from various countries. To guide leaders in their way towards successful leadership, it is important to support them. An example of a program to support leaders in their task will be highlighted. You will learn what this potentially successful program entails. After this symposium you are aware of what is known internationally about the influence of leadership in Long-Term-Care homes and how leaders can effectively be supported.