Experience of social workers in assurance of quality service for older adults in care institutions (Lithuanian context)

Abstract

The aim of the article is to outline the characteristics of the work experience (feelings, efforts and interactions) of the social workers employed in social care institutions for older people in the attempt to provide quality services in practice and the perspectives of this practice. Qualitative research data collection method was used. The answers to the research question were collected by a semi-structured interview. Data analysis carried out by the inductive theme analysis method revealed that the participants of the survey feel the load of responsibility, ambiguity of a complex function and challenges of quality services in relation to the implementation of the service standards; disappointment and hesitations related to the organization of work and professional status. The strengths of the social workers lie in their commitment to the interaction with the service receivers, involvement in the service quality valuation processes in the institution, and in identifying the challenges.