Social networks of neighbourhood inhabitants, residents of a care facility, and the nursing staff: a case study in two LTF facilities in the Netherlands

Background Social resources have the potential to relieve pressure on long-term care facilities due population ageing and staff shortages. This is because social networks can constitute link between residents, members of LTC local community. In this paper we describe these relationships which they consist in two that provide dementia Netherlands, thereby illustrating capital both facilities. Methods Staff ward facilities, family residents inhabitants neighbourhoods surrounding were asked complete questionnaires. Results There are direct indirect nursing staff, neighbourhood. know directly, indirectly through connections with other persons regular contact during visits members; one third also talk outside facility. Furthermore, often live close facility therefore connected About half neighbourhood visited past 12 months for various reasons. More than work facility, five knows a member working ward. total, 8% our study worked as volunteer Conclusion The network facilities’ dementia, community consists many relationships. Although it difficult uphold their networks, there numerous ties demonstrate pre-existing be employed person-centred care. embeddedness considered resource finding retaining personnel volunteers, most volunteers proximity.