Aim To explore caregivers’ perspectives on ethics in older people’s residential and domiciliary social care.

Method Seventeen staff working in domiciliary and residential care were divided into four focus groups and invited to share their perspectives on ‘ethical’ or ‘good’ care, the ethical issues that arise in their care practice, and barriers and enablers for ethical care.

Findings A thematic analysis identified four themes: negotiating relationships, boundaries and the management of emotions, the effects of negative portrayals of care, and becoming a good carer.

Conclusion Providing ethical social care is complex, and involves managing emotional boundaries and relational issues. The authors suggest that caregivers provide skilled companionship to those in their care.