Resident involvement: the process and the perceived effects of the PARTNER intervention in residential care

Resident involvement is a new trend in care homes. The PARTNER intervention aims to involve residents through collective action to improve their community life and wellbeing. The purpose of this article is to provide insights into the process of resident involvement via the PARTNER intervention, and into its perceived effects. A qualitative evaluation study was conducted, using participant observations, semi-structured interviews with residents, volunteers and professionals (n=16), and three focus groups. The findings demonstrate that the intervention helped residents to develop actions (gallery parties and a buddy project) to strengthen social interactions. With the help of volunteers and professionals, the residents realized their plans. We conclude that structural partnerships between residents, volunteers and staff in residential care homes need to be developed further. They lead to empowerment of residents and positive effects on volunteers, professionals, and other parties such as resident councils.