Carrying on life at home or moving to a nursing home: frail older people’s experiences of at-homeness
Journal article, Peer reviewed
Published version
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Date
2022Metadata
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Original version
International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being. 2022, 17 (1), 2082125. 10.1080/17482631.2022.2082125Abstract
Aims and objectives
The aim was to explore frail older people’s lived experiences of managing life at home on the verge of moving to a nursing home.
Background
As people age, their reserve capacity decreases, increasingthe risk of morbidity and frailty.. The experience of frailty extends beyond declining health and physical well-being and encompasses various dimensions, including familiarity with both the place and the people around.
Design
A phenomenological study.
Methods
We interviewed ten frail people aged 72–90 years in-depth in their homes. We used phenomenological hermeneutical analysis inspired by van Manen and followed the COREQ checklist.
Results
We identified three main themes: (1) being home with cherished people and possessions, (2) giving the nursing home a go and (3) attuning to the natural rhythms.
Conclusions
Our study gives insight into the lived experiences with frailty related to at-homeness. The experience of being lost in transition represents a uniquely significant experience for frail older people, foregrounding existential issues and carrying the potential of at-homeness.