The meaning of loss in the context of elderly homes

Abstract

Introduction

Family plays a pivotal function in life of all human being and their significance even increases with the age. However, living in a elderly home may result in a multitude of losses which must be addressed by individual through the process of grief.

Aim

The purpose of this study was to explore situations of loss and grief among institutionalizes elders.

Methods

It is a qualitative, descriptive and exploratory research. Data was collected from two Portuguese elderly homes in the municipality of Viseu, Portugal. A purposeful sample of 7 elders was recruited, and audiotaped face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted.

Results

Three dimensions of emotional loss were created: loss by death, loss by separation and other losses. Loss by separation was further divided into three subcategories: marriage separation, family separation and separation of peers living in the elderly home. The death of a loved one reminds the elderly individual of his/her own mortality, complicating the process of mourning. Separation, however is much more difficult to overcome because there is a loss among the living, with the possibility to lose the meaning of life with the other one.

Conclusions

Understanding loss and grief among elderly people is fundamental for nursing care, in order to help them with the process of coping and to prevent institutionalization to become an unpleasant experience. This will also offer health care facilities suggested ways to reduce or combat loneliness and depression among the elderly people.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.