Year: 2011
Type: article
Abstract: This paper explores the role of religious belief in the experiences of dying and death in a Catholic nursing home. The home appeals to residents and their families due to the active religious presence. Thus, religion is a salient element of the "local culture" which exists in this long-term care setting. The preeminence of faith within the organization and the personal religious convictions of staff, residents, and families may drive how death and dying are discussed and experienced in this setting, as well as the meanings that are attached to them. This paper examines the relationship between faith and the experience and meaning of death in this nursing home. We present themes that emerged from open-ended interviews with residents, family members, and staff, gathered between 1996 and 2004. The data indicate that people select the home due to their Catholic faith and the home's religious tone. Themes also show that belief in God and an afterlife helps shape the experience of dying and death for our informants. Our paper does not compare ease of dying with other nursing homes or within other belief systems.
Source: Journal of Aging Research
DOI: 10.4061/2011/390427
Authors: Robert L. Rubinstein, Helen K. Black, Patrick J. Doyle, Miriam Moss, Sidney Z. Moss
Institutions: University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Arcadia University
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,000
Funder: National Institute on Aging
Award: G5921244707
OpenAlex ID: W2084550780