Abstract
This thesis focuses on the person-centered care approach delivered to older adults residing in assisted living with an emphasis on dementia-care. Of particular importance in the provision quality of dementia-care is the critical role of the Resident-Care Aide (R.C.A) and the challenges and opportunities within the organization was highlighted using Albert Bandura’s self-efficacy theory juxtaposed leadership. The research design used methods of ethnography which included participant-observation visits, a survey, and informal interviews with staff at an assisted living community with Memory Care in Northern California. The participants of this study included (N=7) R.C.A’s and the residents they cared for in the Memory Care neighborhood. Five substantive themes emerged from the research findings which include: consistent assignment equates to greater resident-knowledge and relationship; understanding the dining program improves the dining experience; embracing emergent leaders within the organization; ambiguity leads to lower family and staff satisfaction; and Resident-Care Aides find meaning in their work.