Year: 2015
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Aging may bring mental and/or physical decline. There may come a point when a loved one needs long-term care in a nursing home. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to examine the community dwelling spouses' emotional state. A study was conducted with 10 individuals (5 men and 5 women) who had a spouse in long-term nursing care. Inclusion criteria was to be at least 65-years old, have been married at least 30 years, and reside alone in his or her own home. The social emotional selectivity theory and the construct of boundary ambiguity were applied to view the epoch. Data were collected with audio recorded interviews and coded as to major idea in each response. Five themes evolved from the responses: reduction of friends, ease or difficulty with change, companionship, vows are forever, and why. The community-dwelling spouse tended to be sad, anxious, and angry. Loss of companionship, increased isolation due to reduction of friends prior to placement, concern about the well-being of his or her spouse, and feelings of 'why did this happen to me?' were common themes by the community dwelling spouse. Wives who did all household chores prior to their husband's institutionalization were more able to accept the placement of their spouse than were husbands who had depended on their wives. There is a need for treatment for the community-dwelling spouse by nursing home staff, friends, and family. Nursing homes can encourage support through community-dwelling support groups and mealtime with their institutionalized spouses. Children of community-dwelling spouse can provide support through contacting their parents frequently, clergy, and friends of the church through visiting the community-dwelling spouse after placement of their spouse.
Source: ScholarWorks (Walden University)
Author: Barbara Hunt
Language: English
Subfield: Geriatrics and Gerontology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1623650218