# Social networks of neighbourhood inhabitants, residents of a care facility, and nursing staff: a case study in two long-term care facilities in the Netherlands

## TL;DR

This study explores social networks in two Dutch nursing homes, showing connections between residents, staff, families, and local communities.

## Contribution

The paper provides a detailed case study of social capital in LTC facilities, highlighting potential resources for improving care and staffing.

## Key findings

- Multiple direct and indirect relationships exist between nursing staff, residents' families, and local community members.
- Residents with dementia maintain significant social ties that can support person-centred care and community engagement.
- These social networks represent a valuable resource for recruitment and retention of personnel and volunteers.

## Abstract

The pressure on long-term care (LTC) facilities, because of population ageing and personnel shortages, may be relieved by using the social network resources that are already available to the facility. The aim of this study is to give insight in existing social networks and relationships between residents and their family members, care staff and persons in the local communities of nursing homes.

In this paper we describe these social networks and the relationships of which they consist in two nursing homes in the Netherlands, thereby illustrating the social capital of both facilities.

The results show there are multiple direct and indirect relationships between nursing staff, family members of residents and inhabitants of the neighbourhood.

Although it may be difficult for residents with dementia to maintain their social networks as part of their illness, there are numerous ties that attest to the social roles of persons with dementia in the community. These ties can be used to provide person-centred care, but are also an important resource in finding and retaining personnel and volunteers.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12877-025-05948-z.