Introducing relational care

‘Relational care’ is a developing approach to care which can help address many of the challenges faced by the older adult care sector. It provides benefits not only for older people but also all those involved in their care.This free course is for providers, managers and staff of older adult residential and day care facilities. It explains what relational care means and how relational care practice can be introduced or extended. Studying this course will enable you to apply a toolkit developed from research for use in your own care settings, with groups and/or individuals. You can work through the course independently or with others. Case studies, vignettes and audio/video material developed through empirical research are used to bring alive the value and application of the toolkit.Interested in taking your learning further? You might find it helpful to explore the Open University’s Social Work courses and qualifications.The authors of this course wish to thank the Hallmark Foundation for funding this work and for their faith in its value.

• 1 Understanding relational care and why it matters
• 1.1 Developing your understanding of relational care
• 2 The practice of relational care
• 2.1 What kinds of relationships are involved in the practice of relational care?
• 2.2 Key components, principles and features of relational care practice
• 3 Deepening your learning
• 3.1 Every relationship matters