Process Wherein the Care Staffs Become Irritated by the User: Using Modified Grounded Theory Approach

Abstract

This study examined care workers’ process of becoming irritated by users of long-term care and welfare facilities for older people by adopting the modified Grounded Theory Approach to prevent inappropriate care and promote appropriate practices. Analysis revealed that care workers came to work with poor mental and physical conditions and reduced motivation as factors that increased irritability. While performing their duties under such conditions, in addition to irritation caused by care provided by other workers and consequent burdens as a factor that worsens irritation, their impatience with work and irritation with users intensified. Care workers’ irritation with users finally led to irritation with themselves, resulting in a vicious circle due to the various causes cited. To address this situation, all facility workers, facilities, and administrative bodies should fulfill their roles and adopt comprehensive approaches to prevent inappropriate care, rather than simply blame care workers for it.