Moral Agency of Direct Care Workers and the People for Whom They Care

Abstract

Few studies explore the attitudes and views of direct care workers who provide care for older adults in long-term care communities or their own homes. This article is based on the narratives and interview responses of 20 caregivers identified as the “best” caregivers in an assisted living community and a special care assisted living community for people with dementia. Their words are used to provide insight into their social and personal identities as dedicated caregivers. This article provides analysis of their perceptions of agency of themselves and as a force of agency for the elders for whom they provide care