ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a theoretical background to the concept of relational care, to provide context and history. It starts with an initial review of the subject, terminology and current thinking, with fuller references and details in further reading suggestions at the end of this chapter , such that the reader can choose what to follow up. The ideas are illustrated with quotes from interviews. The chapter addresses what relational care ‘looks like’ in practice, why it matters and the ‘key criteria’ and ‘environmental factors’ that favour it, giving them as benchmarks for exploration of different models in the following chapters. It includes commentary on the implications for the needs and wellbeing of carers as well as older people. It then sets out the scope of the book, previewing how it will explore and comment on various models, and the importance of ‘voices’, interviews with a variety of parties being included alongside other types of material. Finally, it indicates how readers are likely to benefit from the new information and how this will be presented.
