Although the following agenda represents a general structure for the interview, the sub-topics and their order only function as a general guide, rather than a prescribed format. Additionally, while the topics listed here represent the broad areas of interest for comparability, there is scope for tailoring the discussion to the individual. For instance, whether the participants are currently in receipt of care, or if they are speaking prospectively, will affect how discussion points are introduced and discussed.

Introduction

What are your preferences for care? (10 minutes)

o What sort of care settings have you been in? (home/institution)

o What makes a good care worker (e.g. personal qualities and training)?

o Who make a good care worker?

• Does gender make a difference (man or woman)?

• What about age?

• Does it matter if a care worker is not from the Canada?

What type of relationship do you feel you have with carers? (close, detached, dependent, avoidant, friendship) (15 minutes)

o Have you been cared for by an immigrant care worker?

o Are there any differences between Canadian carers and carers who are not from Canada?

• Personal qualities

• Skills and training

• Language proficiency

• Trust and privacy (residents’ rooms or private home)

• Family concerns and preferences

o Any differences between carers who are not from Canada – i.e., from different nationalities?

How should these key issues be tackled? (5 minutes)