Quality of life (QOL) is the assessment of the overall human experience and how individuals perceive satisfaction in a variety of life domains (Costanza et al., 2007). In this paper, I will discuss my experiences at the Beddington Carewest Adult Day Program (ADP), where I was able to analyze the culture surrounding QOL. Using a focused ethnography approach, I was able to discover the impact of social relationships and access to health care on the client’s QOL. Furthermore, I will use scholarly literature to analyze the culture.
Use of Ethnography
By using a focused ethnography approach, I was able to shape my experience through the collection of data. Cruz and Higginbottom (2013) described interviews as the most important aspect when collecting …show more content…
When conversing with the patients and their families, I found that the majority of patients living at home were experiencing difficulty coping independently. Many of these patients were beginning to depend on their families to access health care, and many expressed that their decline in health caused them to be isolated. As these patients have various health care concerns and illnesses, continuous access to health care could benefit their QOL. In addition, the social aspect of ADPs could allow patients to create positive supportive relationships; therefore, I believe it is important that these resources are provided to patients and their families in in-patient …show more content…
However, I eventually realized my presence was beneficial, as I was able to empower clients and create a positive environment. When interviewing clients, I asked, “What do you think you contribute to the program?” I wanted clients to engage in their own reflexivity and consider their own impact on the ADP. When I asked Participant B, she hesitated and responded with, “Well, I don’t know what I bring to the program, but I really do try to be positive and help everyone.” Participant C, who was sitting adjacent to her, interrupted and responded, “You have no idea what kind of contribution you bring to this place. Every time you come in, you bring happiness and joy to all of us.” From this interaction, I felt that my presence created a positive environment and enabled clients to empower each other. Participant C also shared that he felt he was able to support others through his own success and added to the positivity of the ADP. My presence allowed clients to open up about their experiences and empower one another, creating a supportive
Use of Ethnography
By using a focused ethnography approach, I was able to shape my experience through the collection of data. Cruz and Higginbottom (2013) described interviews as the most important aspect when collecting …show more content…
When conversing with the patients and their families, I found that the majority of patients living at home were experiencing difficulty coping independently. Many of these patients were beginning to depend on their families to access health care, and many expressed that their decline in health caused them to be isolated. As these patients have various health care concerns and illnesses, continuous access to health care could benefit their QOL. In addition, the social aspect of ADPs could allow patients to create positive supportive relationships; therefore, I believe it is important that these resources are provided to patients and their families in in-patient …show more content…
However, I eventually realized my presence was beneficial, as I was able to empower clients and create a positive environment. When interviewing clients, I asked, “What do you think you contribute to the program?” I wanted clients to engage in their own reflexivity and consider their own impact on the ADP. When I asked Participant B, she hesitated and responded with, “Well, I don’t know what I bring to the program, but I really do try to be positive and help everyone.” Participant C, who was sitting adjacent to her, interrupted and responded, “You have no idea what kind of contribution you bring to this place. Every time you come in, you bring happiness and joy to all of us.” From this interaction, I felt that my presence created a positive environment and enabled clients to empower each other. Participant C also shared that he felt he was able to support others through his own success and added to the positivity of the ADP. My presence allowed clients to open up about their experiences and empower one another, creating a supportive