Nursing Homes and Suffering: Part of the Problem or Part of the Solution?

Abstract

The quality of residents' life is now widely recognized as a principle measure of the quality of care provided by nursing homes. This article is focused on the profound psychosocial and existential suffering that was experienced by many of the nursing home residents who were part of a larger study that examined end-of-life experiences in nursing homes. Data were collected using a case study approach, incorporating observations, interviews, and document review. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyze data. The narratives of two residents are used as exemplars. Through these narratives, specific examples of physical, psychosocial, and existential suffering are revealed. Suffering as an essential aspect of the human condition is explored within the context of nursing homes as systems of care for older adults. Attention to suffering is integral to quality of life, yet few nursing homes have integrated the diagnosis and relief of suffering into their routine work.

The Meaning of Home for Aging Women Living Alone in North Eastern Ontario

“…Kayser-Jones (2002) went further and exposed that facilities do pose a threat to the health and well-being of older adults. Neglect is real and patients/residents are aware of the power formal caregivers can offer or withhold (Band -Winterstein, 2015;Dobbs et al, 2003;Forbes-Thompson Diversity of Research in Health Journal / Revue de la Diversité de la Recherche en Santé Vol 1, pp 70-83, April 201778 & Gessert, 2006Gustafsson, Heikkilä, Ekman, & Ponzer, 2010). Social hierarchies and cliques exist in these facilities which exempt those with cognitive, physical and socioeconomic vulnerabilities (Dobbs et al, 2003;Nakrem, Vinsnes, & Seim, 2011).…”

The Care Relationship Required by Seniors in Nursing Homes: A Qualitative Meta-study

“…El respeto implica reconocer y tratar a los residentes de una forma personal (personalización), considerando y manteniendo sus valores propios, sus estilos de vida y su intimidad (13,27). Se trata de considerar a las personas mayores como seres humanos y de ser compasivos y receptivos hacia su situación (19). El trato respetuoso también supone que el personal no ponga en duda los comentarios realizados por los residentes o simplemente los considere como falsos o engañosos, sin otorgarles la importancia y la atención que requieren (7).…”

“…Esta circunstancia va en detrimento también del establecimiento de relaciones de confianza entre las personas mayores y las personas cuidadoras, y de la capacidad de personalización de estas últimas (6,19).…”

“…l Experiencias satisfactorias, bienestar y calidad de vida (13)(14)(15)(16). l Experiencias de sufrimiento, de dolor y de pérdida (17)(18)(19).…”

Family Caregivers’ Experiences in Nursing Homes: Narratives on Human Dignity and Uneasiness

“…As institutions, nursing homes are faced with exceedingly demanding ethical challenges in interaction between protecting vulnerable adults in need of excessive care, professional shortage and rigid routines (Dreyer, Førde & Nortvedt 2011, Forbes-Thompson & Gessert 2006. Ethics in caring for older people is therefore an important issue (van der Dam et al 2011).…”