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Time- and place-dependent experiences of loneliness in assisted living facilities

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 October 2019

Anu H. Jansson Open the ORCID record for Anu H. Jansson [Opens in a new window] ,
Antti Karisto  and
Kaisu H. Pitkälä
Anu H. Jansson*
Affiliation:
Department of General Practice and Helsinki University Hospital, Unit of Primary Health Care, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
Antti Karisto
Affiliation:
Faculty of Social Sciences, Social and Public Policy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
Kaisu H. Pitkälä
Affiliation:
Department of General Practice and Helsinki University Hospital, Unit of Primary Health Care, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
*
*Corresponding author. Email: anu.jansson@vtkl.fi
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Abstract

The purpose of the study is to explore feelings of loneliness among residents in assisted living facilities in terms of how loneliness is experienced and articulated, and what specific factors are related to the experiences. The study used a mixed-method approach. We individually interviewed 13 residents twice over six months. We conducted two focus group interviews and noted our observations each time we met the respondents. Data analysis leaned on abductive reasoning. The respondents described loneliness in versatile, rich ways. It proved to be time and place dependent. It was dependent on the time of day, days of the week and seasons. Lonely time was meaningless and filled with a feeling of waiting. Loneliness was also intertwined with place. None of the respondents called their apartment home; instead they called it a hospital, even a prison. They had to spend long periods of time in their apartments against their will, and their desire to interact with other residents was not met. The respondents felt invisible. Residents’ experiences of loneliness in assisted living facilities are unique and distinctive. Time- and place-dependent experiences of loneliness act as important signals for reflection on how care practices in these facilities could be more satisfying. Loneliness should therefore be a key topic and the target of prevention and interventions.

Keywords

lonelinessexperienceassisted living facilitieshome-likeolder people
Type
Article
Information
Ageing & Society , Volume 41 , Issue 3 , March 2021 , pp. 628 - 644
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2019

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