Equity and diversity in nursing home care: lessons from Canada and Sweden

Drawing on data from nursing home studies in Canada and Sweden, this chapter aims to envision a future for nursing homes as collaborative, culturally diverse, equitable organizations with deep, daily connections to the communities outside their doors. While the legislative and regulatory contexts in these jurisdictions promote attention to equity and diversity concerns, most nursing homes have yet to adapt to changing populations of residents and staff. Workers and residents from immigrant, racialized, and queer communities continue to experience disrespect and unsafe conditions. However, some homes are working to support the needs, cultures, and values of diverse groups of residents, to affirm these community members and to promote more equitable treatment. We review and assess these approaches while identifying research gaps that, if addressed, can support care in the context of resident and staff heterogeneity.