THEME, RATIONALE AND CONTENT

As people age, they increasingly rely on care—even those who age successfully, remain vital, and live independently for a long time. Ageing and care dependency are, in many respects, two sides of the same coin. Consequently, understanding what constitutes good care for older adults is of critical importance.

Historically, care for the elderly was shaped by paternalistic and moralistic approaches. While these were often well-intentioned, they lacked reciprocity and individual recognition. Later, the evolution to supply- and task-oriented care brought professional rigor but often delivered a rigid, standardized “package” with limited attention to individual needs. The emergence of client- and person-centered care shifted the focus to the preferences and needs of care recipients. However, this too has been critiqued for replacing one form of one-sidedness with another—now prioritizing the individual at the expense of mutuality.

A more mature and ethical approach is found in relational caring. This model does not place either the professional or the care recipient at the center. Instead, it sees care as a dynamic, negotiated process shaped within the relationship between individuals—rooted in both their everyday lived realities and systemic contexts. Relational caring is deeply informed by presence theory and care ethics, which emphasize attentiveness, attunement, and shared responsibility.

This masterclass is devoted to the theory and practice of relational caring, highlighting recent developments and exploring implications for: professionalism and professional education; community and civic engagement; management and leadership in care institutions; and quality assurance, accountability, and policy-making.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Aligned with the conference’s 9th focus —Long-term Care and Improving Function — this masterclass aims to ensure participants:

1. Gain a sound understanding of the unique characteristics and potential of relational caring.

2. Recognize that relational caring is not idealistic sentiment, but a grounded, practical, and ethically robust approach across all levels of care.

3. Leave with renewed insight, energy, and inspiration to apply relational caring in diverse professional and policy settings.

FORMAT, ACTIVITIES AND ENGAGEMENT STRATEGIES

This masterclass will blend theoretical and experiential learning through:

1. A concise, research-based introduction to relational caring and its foundations in presence theory and care ethics.

2. Group discussions of real-world cases that exemplify relational care in practice—particularly in elderly care contexts.

3. Shared reflections on care encounters that lacked relational depth, exploring what was missing and why it mattered.

4. An interactive exploration of how relational caring can inform education, leadership, quality assurance, and care policy.

The session will engage participants’ intellect, emotions, moral imagination, and practical wisdom. Where appropriate, multimedia resources will enhance learning.

EXPECTED PARTICIPANT OUTCOMES

Participants will leave the masterclass with:

– A clear grasp of the foundations, practices, ethical significance, and systemic benefits of relational caring, particularly in elderly care.

– A personal connection to the values and vision of relational caring—marked by recognition, empathy, and a commitment to applying these insights in practice.

PROPOSED DURATION

Five hours, including lunch.