English-language sociology of nursing homes for the elderly [La sociologie anglophone des institutions pour personnes agees]

Abstract

A large number of qualitative studies published in English since the 1970s have described and analysed life in nursing homes for the elderly. English-language research covers questions as varied as employee working conditions, social and ethnic divisions in elder facilities, the emotional dimension of care, and communication between residents and staff. This article proposes a review of that literature. Afer explaining some key concepts, it presents the main themes of this body of research through illustrative examples. It concludes with some remarks about the specific features of French- and English-language research in this area and highlights current issues for international research on elder residential facilities. Show more