Reciprocity in staff/resident interactions in nursing homes

Social Exchange Theory holds that reciprocity in relationships is essential to well-being. Reciprocity is difficult for dependent elders in nursing homes to manage. A study to identify the extent to which nursing assistants in nursing homes recognized reciprocation needs of residents demonstrated that a variety of caring behaviors were observed and were considered a means to achieving reciprocity; however, opportunities for engaging in them were seldom created Attitudes were significantly related to race, educational level and time employed in the nursing home, but not related to age, gender or total time worked in nursing homes. Inservice education to help nursing assistants use principles of reciprocity is encouraged.