Liminal space and the negotiation of care work in extra-care housing

This is a qualitative case study of care work in a liminal space, specifically the case of an extra-care housing residence, which is an innovative housing alternative for elderly people in need of care in Sweden. The study is an exploration of social care workers' perceptions about their workplaces and their understandings of themselves, which are shaped by their embeddedness in architectural space. The extra-care housing residence appeared as a liminal space in which two dominant spaces – home care services and residential care – underpinned the staff's perceptions of an unclear workplace and their identity work. •Liminal space appeared in-between home care services and residential care.•The staff associated extra-care housing with healthy residents using public space.•The staff had difficulties appreciating the many dimensions of the resident flat.•Extra-care housing fostered an independent care worker.