Carrying on life at home or moving to a nursing home: frail older people’s experiences of at-homeness

Abstract

Aims and objectives: The aim was to explore frail older people’s lived experiences of managing life at home on the verge of moving to a nursing home. Background: As people age, their reserve capacity decreases, increasingthe risk of morbidity and frailty. The experience of frailty extends beyond declining health and physical well-being and encompasses various dimensions, including familiarity with both the place and the people around. Design: A phenomenological study. Methods: We interviewed ten frail people aged 72–90 years in-depth in their homes. We used phenomenological hermeneutical analysis inspired by van Manen and followed the COREQ checklist. Results: We identified three main themes: (1) being home with cherished people and possessions, (2) giving the nursing home a go and (3) attuning to the natural rhythms. Conclusions: Our study gives insight into the lived experiences with frailty related to at-homeness. The experience of being lost in transition represents a uniquely significant experience for frail older people, foregrounding existential issues and carrying the potential of at-homeness. Relevance to practice: To unleash frail older people’s potential for at-homeness, health professionals mustmeet the needs of frail older people individually. Going beyond signs and symptoms to reveal people’s concrete everyday experiences is crucial to understanding frailty.