Older widows' experience of living alone is described in this research. Based on Husserl's (1913/1962) philosophy, a phenomenological method was used. Prior to data-gathering, knowledge pertaining to older widows' experience was bracketed. During semi-structured, tape-recorded conversations, seven older widows described how they lived at home alone. From data pertaining to their actions, intentions and perceptions, four phenomena of the lived experience were developed: (a) making aloneness acceptable; (b) going my own way; (c) reducing my risks; and (d) sustaining myself.

Frail older adults living alone are at risk for falling and not being found. A personal emergency response system (PERS) is a technological adjunct to home care for such individuals, but little is known of their experiences with the PERS. The experiences of seven frail women (ages 83 to 96) who lived alone were studied using a descriptive phenomenological method. The key phenomenon was temporizing about the PERS button, and the two component phenomena were deciding when to wear it and deciding whether to use it. Findings were contrasted to the existing literature about wearing and using the PERS, which has been focused on compliance. The variations in the experiences of the women in this small sample warrant further research and individualized interventions to enhance consistent use of the PERS by frail older adults.

The mothers continued rehabilitation efforts with the young adults, even when only minimal services were available to support their efforts. Mothers needed interventions to enhance their knowledge, and they and the young adults with TBI needed expanded community services.

The author's aim is to describe older frail widows' experience of having a personal emergency response system (PERS). Over 3 years, she interviewed 8 frail widows during a study of the home care experience using a phenomenological method to describe the context and the phenomena of the experience. "Being certain that I can get help here quickly" was a context for the phenomena of "deciding whom to put on my list (of first responders)" and "keeping the connection intact." However, the women also experienced apprehension. Being shocked by unexpected voices and visits was a context for "figuring out why a stranger is talking in my house" and "finding that they show up to check on me." The findings are a basis for considering the potential influences of having a PERS on elders' well-being.

The impact of Omery's article, "Phenomenology: A Method for Nursing Research," on nursing science is appraised. In particular, the influence of her emphasis on "being inspired" was compared with that of her detailed reviews of psychological phenomenologic methods. The author's experience of "being inspired" by Husserl's book, Ideas, is described. The author also discusses the tapping of this resource during three phases of her development as a researcher: (1) appraising methods derived from Husserl's phenomenology; (2) spelling out an approach, with help; and (3) "making clearer while glancing-toward." Omery's proposed linkage between philosophic inspiration and methodologic development is highlighted as a challenge to nurse researchers.