Saying no to the staff: an analysis of refusals in a care home for people with severe communication difficulties.

Finlay, W. M. L. and Antaki, Charles and Walton, Chris (2008) Saying no to the staff: an analysis of refusals in a care home for people with severe communication difficulties. Sociology of Health and Illness, 30 (1). pp. 55-75. ISSN 0141-9889

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Abstract

People with severe communication difficulties may attempt to exercise control over their lives by verbally or non-verbally refusing an activity proposed by supporters. We detail examples in which such refusals are treated by care home staff as a temporary reluctance, warranting further attempts to persuade the individual to co-operate. We identify the following conversational (and bodily) practices by which staff achieve their institutional ends: appreciating a resident's behaviour as something other than refusal; formulating the invitation again in a no-blame format; minimising the task required; escalating the invitation to a request and an order; moving the person bodily; and positively glossing the proceedings. Dealing with refusals illustrates the dilemma faced by institutional personnel in health and care settings in accepting choices which might disrupt the efficient management of the service.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
Sociology of Health and Illness
Additional Information:
The definitive version is available at www.blackwell-synergy.com
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/3300/3306
Subjects:
?? empowerment • refusals • interaction • self-determination • intellectual disabilitieshealth(social science)public health, environmental and occupational healthhealth policybf psychology ??
ID Code:
21093
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
15 Dec 2008 14:51
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
31 Dec 2023 00:15